Is it permissible for someone who has had intercourse with his wife, then the dawn prayer call (adhan) was made and he could not find hot water for ghusl, to perform ablution (wudu') and pray in congregation for fear of missing the prayer time, and because he did not wish to disturb anyone?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Your friend's action is incorrect for three reasons: He could have taken the water from you, and his claim of fearing to disturb you is not a legitimate excuse. Secondly: The preponderant opinion is that he is obligated to perform (ritual bath) even if the prayer time has elapsed. Thirdly: He performed wudu' (ablution) instead of ghusl, and this is invalid. One who is unable to perform ghusl due to a legitimate excuse is obligated to perform (dry ablution), not wudu'. He is excused due to his ignorance, and he and his wife are obligated to make up that prayer.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/36157
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 36157
- 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