What is a wet dream (ihtilam), and is ghusl (ritual bathing) obligatory if it occurs while awake due to thinking and imagining marital relations, and what must be done for prayer afterward, and what is the ruling on thinking about such matters?

If semen is discharged from a man or woman, whether in sleep or while awake, ghusl (ritual bath) becomes obligatory, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying to Umm Sulaim when she asked him if a woman must perform ghusl if she experiences a wet dream: "Yes, if she sees the water."

If it is confirmed that the discharge is semen – which is thin and yellowish in women – then ghusl is obligatory. However, if the discharge is madhy (pre-ejaculatory fluid) – which is common when thinking about intercourse – then it is obligatory to cleanse the body and clothes from it and perform wudu (ablution).

Thoughts and passing notions do not incur sin, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, Allah has forgiven my Ummah for whatever crosses their minds, as long as they do not act upon it or speak of it." However, one should turn away from such thoughts and occupy oneself with what benefits in this world and the Hereafter, as excessive thinking can be a gateway to evil. It is advisable to pray that Allah averts evil and grants guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment.