What is the ruling on the prayers I performed while there was the smell of feces on my fingernails, and do I have to repeat them if I was unaware that the feces had gotten under my fingernails?
Among the characteristics of fitra (innate disposition) is a Muslim's care for their nails by trimming and cleaning them, because Islam is a religion of purity, cleanliness, and ease. If the fingers are cleaned after (washing after relieving oneself) or wudu (ablution) and only an odor remains, then this is excused because odor is something difficult to remove. However, if the odor is from remnants of feces under the nails, and their length is normal and does not prevent water from reaching the skin, then the prayer is valid, and it is recommended to repeat it if there is ample time. But if the nails are unusually long, and dirt and impurities have accumulated under them, preventing water from reaching the skin, then the wudu is invalid, the prayer is invalid, and both must be repeated after completing purification.
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