What is the ruling on irregular, uncontrolled urinary incontinence, in cases where it occurs frequently, infrequently, or the amount of its occurrence is unknown? Does it take the ruling of permanent incontinence? What should one do if they do not feel its discharge and only become aware of it by looking? Is it obligatory for them to monitor themselves to determine its causes? And what should they do if they fear that looking will cause incontinence after it had been intermittent?

Summary of the Answer:

Firstly: The criterion for urinary incontinence ( سلس ) is that the event (discharge) is continuous throughout the entire time, such that the person affected does not find sufficient time for purification and prayer. If sufficient time is found, then the person is not considered to have incontinence. However, if the interruption is irregular, it falls under the ruling of incontinence.

Secondly: The discharge of a drop or drops is not considered incontinence. It is necessary to take precautions and purify the affected area before prayer. If one is not certain about its discharge, it is likely a form of waswasah (obsessive whispering).

Thirdly: After relieving oneself and purifying, it is not necessary to inspect or search, as this leads to waswasah and an increase in discharge. It is advisable to sprinkle water on one's clothes; if wetness is perceived, it can be attributed to this sprinkling. Ibn Majah narrated from Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, sprinkled water on his private parts. The Fiqh Encyclopedia mentioned the desirability of sprinkling water on the private parts or trousers after purification with water to cut off waswasah.

Ibn Taymiyyah stated that inspecting the male organ is an innovation (bid'ah) and is neither obligatory nor desirable. The same applies to shaking the male organ and drawing out urine, and the hadith narrated concerning this is weak. Urine exits naturally, and when it is emptied, it stops naturally. The more one squeezes their male organ, the more discharge may occur, whereas if left alone, it might not discharge. It could also be mere waswasah or a sensation of coldness. Standing urine does not need to be expelled by scholarly consensus; every time it is expelled, more comes because it always seeps. Purification with stones (istijmar) is sufficient. It is desirable for one who has purified themselves with water to sprinkle water on their private parts, so that if they feel wetness, they say: "This is from that water."