By
Abu Imran
Note: This post is solely intended for educational purpose, and it will contain medical terms for the genitals and other parts of the reproductive system. Reader’s discretion is advised. No attempt will be made to be exhaustive in the mention of compositions as this is not a strictly academic expose.
The human genitals produce a variety of fluids that serve important physiological, protective, and reproductive functions. While these fluids differ in type, composition, and purpose between men and women, misconceptions about them are quite common, especially within relogiously conservative persons. This post aims to provide an educational overview of the main genital fluids, their biological roles, gender correlations, related Islamic rulings (fiqh), and general safety considerations. It is intended to correct misunderstandings and promote informed discussion about the human reproductive system, using arguments based on real evidence in a respectful and educational manner.
1. Non Sexual Fluids
●Normal vaginal fluids (discharge).
These are fluids found in the female genital tract contributed by the cervix and vaginal walls. As for the Vaginal walls, plasma from blood in capillaries filter out and make their way to the vagina surface or lumen (transudation). These fluids are naturally present, eliminating the need for a healthy woman for an artificial vagina cleanser of any kind). It is composed mainly of water, electrolytes, glycoproteins and commensal bacteria (beneficial bacteria) that typically give the vagina a slightly acidic pH. This slightly acidity helps protect the vagina from colonisation by pathogenic (bacteria). It varies in colour (clear, whitish, cloudy or even glossy) and consistency (sticky, creamy, slippery or stretchy depending on the period in a woman’s cycle). There is seldom universality in human biology, so the smell of the female genital fluids should be generally mild and non offensive. A strong fishy or foul smell and or greenish, grey or yellowish discharge is likely an indication of infection.
Fiqh: This fluid is natural and does not invalidate ablution. So, any dampness (unconnected to menstruation) you feel as a woman that was not preceeded by arousal does not invalidate your ablution or warrant ghusl (ritual bath).
●Penile Discharge
In males, any colored, smelly, thick, or persistent discharge from the penis especially accompanied with pain, itching, or burning sensation is usually an indication of infection. As such, any non sexual discharge you see should prompt you to see a Doctor. It is often caused by Urinary Tract Infections and STIs. There are however certain male discharges that are normal. They include post urination drips – residual urethral fluid that is clear and in small amounts that appears after urination, Smegma – composed of dead cells, oils and moisture that accumulate under the foreskin of uncircumcised males.
Fiqh: Male discharges generally invalidate ablution and you have to wash affected area. The post urination fluid is of ten referred to as الودي (AlWadiy).
2. Sexual Fluids
●Arousal fluids
Men and women produce fluids following sexual excitation. These fluids share some similarities and differences as well. In women it is popularly called “wetness”. It is quite similar in composition to the non sexual fluid discussed above except that it doesn’t contain cervical mucus and as such wouldn’t be entirely similar in consistency and colour. It is transparent and slippery, and primarily serves the purpose of vaginal lubrication. In males it is referred to as Pre-ejaculàte or pre-cùm. It is produced by a gland in the male reproductuve system called the cowper’s gland. It is mostly composed of mucus, alkaline fluids, glycoproteins and sometimes, residual sperm (so yes it can get a woman pregnant).
Fiqh: Arousal fluids in both males and females are called المذي (AlMadhy). They invalidate ablution, and require the washing of clothing part it touches and the entire genitals (including scrotum for males). However the discussion on arousal fluids for women requires a separate discussion as there are conditions attached due to the fact that it is sometimes not as easy to detect as in males. Please ask your teacher/scholar for a more detailed explanation.
●Ejaculatory Fluids.
In males, ejaculatiòn is the forceful emission of ejaculatory fluid from the pènis following an orgàsm. This fluid contains semen. Semen is produced by the prostate and cowper’s gland as well as the seminal vesicles (parts of the male reproductive system). These organs produced the fluid that baths sperm cells and carry it in its journey into the female genital tract. Semen is composed mainly of fructose, zinc, alkaline fluids (to neutralise the acidic pH of the vagina) and prostaglandins. Semen may or may not contain sperm. Oligospermia is a condition where the sperm count in a stated volume of semen is low limiting the chance of successful fertilisation of an egg. Azoospermia is a complete absence of sperm cells in a given volume of semen. It is worthy to note that semen quality has no correlation with thickness and volume. A small, watery semen can be potent in terms of fertility capacity while a thick and copious quantity can be just blanks!
Women also produce ejaculatory fluids following an orgasm. This fluid is contributed by the paraurethral (Skene) gland which is similar to the prostate in males. Research now shows that the female ejaculatory fluid is typically composed of glucose and PSA (Prostate Specific Antigens). It is typically thick and milky and produced in small amounts, though the quantity varies from woman to woman.
Fiqh: Ejaculatiòn warrants ghusl (ritual bath). This is irrespective of whether the ejaculatory fluid is produced or not (retrogade ejaculatiòn produces little to no ejaculate in males) or whether it was produced but the fluid was unnoticed (as is the case with many women). The feeling alone warrants ghusl, the same way intercourse, as long as there is penetration, even if it is without ejaculation, warrants ghusl. However, ejaculatory fluids are considered pure (based on what is most convincing to me), unlike arousal fluids. So you can clean them off your clothings but their presence will not invalidate your salat. If after ghusl you still see some of it coming out of the genitals, and you are sure it is ejaculatory fluid, yours or your spouse’s, it does not invalidate your ablution or warrants another bath.
Few points to note:
● One of the major prompters to writing this post is to buttress the fact that the genitals are not filthy organs and in a healthy and hygienic normal human, the fluids produced by the genital organs are medically safe (this is in fact the only reason I included composition in the post). This is so that when discussions around topics like oral sex are being made, we make informed conclusions. You might have a personal aversion to the genitals and what comes out of it, but it is not traceable to science. HOWEVER, for anybody whose health status is unknown to you, you should avoid exchange of such sexual Fluids as they are havens for STIs. This is a better ground for argument.
●If a person argues that oral sex should he discouraged because the mouth will come in contact with Al Madhiyy (arousal fluids) I will say isn’t the genitals coming in contact with it too? The problem with contact is therefore a matter of personal preference. The ruling of wudhu invalidation (which only applies to the hadath producer) does not imply an outright prohibition on contact otherwise what becomes of nursing mothers and the urine of their babies?
●If a person argues that whatever comes out of the genital is impure we will give the classical response of scholars who hold Al Maniy (semen/sperm) to be pure “then that means all of us are impurities” for we (mostly) came out of a genital.
This discussion is pertinent because it has overbearing implication on intimate relationship between spouses. Oral séx for instance is a sensitive subject and what I believe is that it shouldn’t be forced on an unwilling spouse if they aren’t comfortable with it. Some of these discussions aren’t even meant to be had in public as they should be left to private preferences, unfortunately we have all been influenced in one way or the other by liberalism to a point some make these marital deal breakers. However, if people have a twisted perception of the genitals and its products, it has a way of negatively affecting willingness to be adventurous and exploratory. Intimacy will be seen as an act to be done and gotten over with as quick as possible because it involves dealing with an area that is “uncleán” and somehow people find medical and spiritual justifications for this, most of which are unfounded.
The genitals are first and foremost, like the rasul explained, a part like any other part of the body.
A man came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and said,
“O Messenger of Allah, what do you think about a man touching his pènis after performing wuḍūʾ?”
He replied:
“Is it anything but a part of you?”
روى قيس بن طلق عن أبيه قال : قال رجل يا نبي الله ما ترى في مس الرجل ذكره بعد ما يتوضأ فقال : ( هل هو إلا بضعة منه ) رواه الخمسة وقال الترمذي : هذا أحسن شيء في هذا الباب
It is indeed an honourable part to be guarded jealously and enjoyed to its fullest by the one who has acquired a legal access to it, without a feeling of disgust. Our personal preferences and considerations then applies to us alone.
