How do we distinguish between semen (mani) and prostatic fluid (madhy), and does each have a scent?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The semen that necessitates (ritual bath) is discharged either during sleep (whether one remembers the wet dream or not) or while awake due to intercourse or its foreplay. It is a viscous fluid that exits with a gush and desire, followed by a sensation of relaxation. Its smell resembles that of a date palm spathe or dough. As for (pre-seminal fluid), it is a viscous fluid, thinner than semen, discharged after sexual arousal, and often intermittently. It necessitates washing the male organ and invalidates ablution (wudu').
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/32023
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 32023
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy