Rih: wind, flatulence, and related legal rulings in Islamic jurisprudence

الريح

Rih lexically signifies wind moving between heaven and earth, as well as scent and power, and its fiqh usage reflects these meanings. ¹ When wind blows, it is recommended to pray for its good and seek refuge from its harm while reviling it is disliked; the Shafi'is and Hanbalis recommend performing two prayer units during intense winds analogous to eclipse prayers, and scholars agree that passing wind from the anus invalidates ablution. ² The wind that exits the body is ritually pure in substance and does not pollute wet garments, nor is cleansing with water (istinja') prescribed for it, while removing the foul smell of impurities during purification is obligatory unless it proves exceptionally difficult, intentionally passing wind in mosques is disliked, and detecting the scent of wine on someone's breath does not establish a penal legal penalty according to the majority. ³ Relieving oneself facing wind is disliked to avoid impurity splashback, and missing Friday and congregational prayers is excused during fierce, cold night winds due to hardship. ⁴