What is the ruling on one who feels embarrassed and spends a long time purifying themselves from major ritual impurity (al-ḥadath al-akbar) due to seeing traces after using stones or other solid objects for purification (al-istijmār), and is there a specific number of times for al-istijmār by which purification is achieved?

Major ritual impurity (al-Hadath al-Akbar) refers to janaba (ritual impurity due to sexual discharge), menstruation, and post-natal bleeding. Purification from it is achieved by performing istinja' (washing the private parts) followed by washing the entire body with water.

Minor ritual impurity (al-Hadath al-Asghar) is that which necessitates wudu' (ablution) but not ghusl (ritual bath), such as passing urine, feces, or wind.

Istijmar is the removal of impurities from the two private parts using a stone or similar object. The following conditions are required for it:

1. Thorough cleansing (al-Inqa'): Removing the impurity and drying the area, such that the last wipe comes out dry.

2. Number: The number of wipes must not be less than three. If three are not sufficient, the number should be increased until cleanliness is achieved. It is preferable for the number to be odd (witr).

Washing impurities with water does not require a specific number of washes; it is sufficient to be reasonably certain that the impurity has been removed.

Excessiveness in purification is from the whispers of Satan. Therefore, one should adhere only to what is prescribed in Islamic law and not pay attention to whispers of impurity. The default state is purity, and one must strive against Satan regarding these whispers.