In the Name of Allāh.

This morning, we will explore the nuanced topic of ablution and its connection to sleep. As Muslims, we adhere to the Divine Guidance of Allāh and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) in our efforts to uphold purification.

Success has been achieved in addressing the question of whether passing wind during sleep invalidates ablution. When a person is in deep sleep, they are not aware of the status of their ablution. In such cases, it is necessary to perform another ablution. In contrast, light or brief sleep allows a person to recognize if their ablution has been invalidated. Therefore, if one is confident of their ablution’s validity, there is no requirement to perform it again.

Some scholars, including the esteemed Ibn Taymiyah, Ibn Bāz, and Ibn Uthaymīn (Raḥimahumullāh), have reconciled the conflicting Aḥadīth from Ṣafwān Ibn ‘Assāl (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu), which states that sleep invalidates ablution, and Anas Ibn Mālik (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu), which asserts that it does not. Consequently, the Ḥadīth from Ṣafwān is interpreted to refer to deep sleep, while Anas’s narration pertains to light sleep. This harmonious interpretation enhances our understanding of the rulings regarding ablution and sleep.

Typically, it can be understood that those who stand during Khutbah (on Jumu’ah) to perform another ablution may either have been in a deep sleep, have passed the wind, or need to relieve themselves. It is indeed advisable to attend to personal needs, such as urination and defecation, before arriving at the Masjid for Jumu’ah and to refrain from sleeping during the Khutbah, as it is a time designated for listening, learning, and reflection.

As believers, let us endeavor to perform our Ṣalāh with the highest degree of devotion and cleanliness.

I beseech Allāh to accept all our acts of worship and continually guide us to the truth. Aameen.

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