Is it permissible to pray while feeling the need to relieve oneself before or during the prayer?

It is disliked for a Muslim to pray while suppressing the two impurities (urine or feces). This is the opinion of the majority of scholars, and their evidence is the hadith narrated by Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her: "No prayer when food is present, nor when one is suppressing the two impurities." The prayer is valid despite the dislikeability.

However, if one fears missing the prayer time, the majority of scholars hold that one should pray in one's current state. Some scholars, however, are of the opinion that one should relieve oneself even if the time for prayer passes. The purpose of prayer is humility and devotion, and one should strive to maintain it.

If the worshiper cannot find a place to relieve himself, it is preferable to wait until he relieves himself and then pray. If he fears that the time will expire, he should pray in his current state.

As for if the need to relieve oneself arises during the prayer, many scholars state that one should continue the prayer and not interrupt it. Some scholars, however, explicitly state that one should interrupt it, and this is the view of the Hanafis.