Najasa refers to impurities or substances considered unclean in Islam. These impurities must be avoided, and if they come into contact with a person’s body, clothing, or place of prayer, they must be cleansed before performing acts of worship like Salah (prayer). Here’s a detailed explanation of what is considered Najasa:
1. Blood
- Human and Animal Blood: Blood is generally considered Najasa, except for small amounts of blood that are difficult to avoid, such as a small cut or nosebleed.
- Exceptions: Blood from fish and insects like mosquitoes is not considered Najasa.
2. Urine
- Human Urine: This is considered a major impurity and must be washed off thoroughly.
- Animal Urine: Urine from animals whose meat is not permissible (haram) to eat is also considered Najasa.
3. Feces
- Human and Animal Feces: Like urine, feces is a major impurity and must be cleaned properly.
- Bird Droppings: Feces from birds that are halal to eat, like chickens, is not considered a major Najasa.
4. Vomit
- Vomiting: Vomit is generally considered impure, especially if it has left the stomach. Small amounts that do not exceed a mouthful may not be considered Najasa.
5. Semen, Pre-Seminal Fluid (Madhiy), and Post-Seminal Fluid (Wadiy)
- Semen: Semen is considered pure but requires Ghusl (full-body purification) if it is released.
- Pre-Seminal Fluid (Madhiy): This is a light impurity, usually clear and sticky, and requires washing.
- Post-Seminal Fluid (Wadiy): This thick, white fluid is also considered impure and should be cleaned.
6. Menstrual and Post-Natal Bleeding
- Menstrual Blood: Blood from menstruation is considered Najasa, and a woman must perform Ghusl after her menstrual cycle ends before she can resume acts of worship.
- Post-Natal Bleeding (Nifas): Blood that flows after childbirth is also considered impure, and Ghusl is required after it ends.
7. Dead Animals
- Carcasses: The body of an animal that has died without proper Islamic slaughter (Dhabihah) is considered Najasa.
- Exceptions: Fish and locusts are not considered Najasa even if they die without being slaughtered.
8. Alcohol
- Intoxicating Beverages: Alcoholic beverages, particularly those that intoxicate, are considered impure.
- Application of Alcohol: Substances like perfumes or medicines containing alcohol might be handled differently based on scholarly opinion.
9. Dog and Pig
- Dogs and Pigs: The saliva of dogs and any part of pigs are considered particularly impure, and they require special cleaning if they come into contact with a person or their belongings.
10. Any Discharge from Private Parts
- Urine and Feces: Discharges such as urine and feces, as well as any other bodily fluids that are discharged from the private parts, are considered impure and must be cleansed properly.