What is the ruling on a man’s prayer if he prays while holding back the two excretions?
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The questioner : A man is prohibited from praying while holding back the two excretions. However, if he holds himself back because relieving himself would require him to perform wudu again, and that would be a burden, or because performing wudu again would cause him to miss the prayer, or delay him from a specific benefit, and he holds himself back and prays, is his prayer valid?
The Shaykh : The prayer of one who is holding back the two excretions is valid according to the majority of scholars. They interpret the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):Riyad as-Salihin 1753 as negating perfection, not negating validity. However, it is disliked for him to pray while holding back the two excretions, because it distracts him from khushu' (humility) in prayer. This is except if the urge is severe, in which case the view that his prayer is not valid is a very sound opinion, because in this state he is unable to focus on what he is saying and doing. Also, it may cause him physical harm, and causing harm to the body is prohibited. It was narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: Sunan Ibn Majah 2340Da'if (Darussalam).
As for his fear of missing the congregational prayer, there is no blame on him if he misses the congregational prayer in this situation. If he goes and relieves himself and performs wudu, and he misses the congregation, there is no sin on him and no blame.
The Shaykh : The prayer of one who is holding back the two excretions is valid according to the majority of scholars. They interpret the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
No Salat (prayer) should be performed when the food has been served, nor should it be performed when a person is in need of relieving himself.
لا صلاة بحضرة طعام ولا وهو يدافعه الأخبثانIt was narrated from 'Ubadah bin Samit that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ruled: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”
لا ضرر ولا ضرارAs for his fear of missing the congregational prayer, there is no blame on him if he misses the congregational prayer in this situation. If he goes and relieves himself and performs wudu, and he misses the congregation, there is no sin on him and no blame.