Is it permissible to make a break—such as answering the phone or opening a door—during ablution and then complete it?
A slight separation between the washing of the ablutionary parts does not invalidate it, by the consensus of scholars. As for a significant separation, there is a difference of opinion:
1. A view that continuous succession (muwālāt) is obligatory absolutely (the Hanbalis). 2. A view that it is obligatory, but falls away with an excuse (the Maliki and the choice of Ibn Taymiyyah). 3. A view that it is a (Ash-Shafi‘i and Abu Hanifa).
Those who obligate continuous succession differed regarding the criterion for a significant separation: some said it is what is excessive according to custom, and others said it is when the previous limb dries in a moderate climate.
The more cautious approach, in case of a significant separation, is to restart the ablution.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
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