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4 months ago

Struggling with OCD and Thoughts About Purity - Need Some Guidance, Assalamualaikum

Assalamualaikum, Hope you're all well. I'm a guy dealing with OCD/waswas about purity. I really need some help and advice - please read the context if you can, it explains what I'm going through. I feel bad for putting this burden on others but I've tried to handle it and failed. Main question: If I poured water on the spot of my underwear stained with madhi, rubbed it like I always do, poured more water (several small cups), then later after putting them on I still noticed the stain and removed it by hand - is there any valid ruling that can allow me to consider my underwear and the things I touched to be pure? For example, some scholars accept sprinkling enough water as sufficient. Would that apply here? Context: Yesterday I found some madhi on my underwear, less than 5 cm. I cleaned that specific area: poured water, rubbed, and poured more water (at least three small mugs). I always wash it like that because of my OCD. After wringing and wearing it, I saw the madhi again even though I had washed and rubbed it as usual. It wasn't visible during washing, so I don't understand how it stayed. Because of my OCD I panicked, felt very anxious and depressed at that moment. I had touched several things in the bathroom after washing the underwear. Maybe I should've just washed my lower body and the taps and moved on, but my OCD made me freeze and I couldn't think straight. I had already spent a long time in the washroom. Now I'm kind of depressed. I touched things around the house, wore clothes over them, slept, and so on. My mind keeps torturing me and my heart is in pain. Before the incident I had set an alarm to wake before Fajr to pray sunnah and recite Qur'an - I deleted it after and felt like I had no reason to wake up early anymore. I wanted to get closer to Allah, felt hopeful, then this hit me. Honestly, I feel like I can't stay in Islam even if I want to. I feel impure and like my house and family are impure. Purity is so central to Islam and I feel like I've lost it. This may sound odd or funny to some, but those with OCD will understand how real this is. May I get some gentle advice, reassurance from fiqh, or practical steps I can take to calm myself and handle this according to Islamic rulings? JazakAllahu khairan.

+316

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7comments
4 months ago

Man, OCD is brutal. From what I've heard, if you cleaned the spot properly it's usually fine - try to trust a ruling and stick to it once you choose it. Also consider therapy or a counselor who understands waswas, that helped my cousin a lot.

+11
4 months ago

I used to panic over similar stuff. Found it helpful to get a clear ruling from a trusted scholar and stick to it no matter what the intrusive thoughts say. Also, cognitive behavioral therapy changed my life - worth looking into if you can.

+11
4 months ago

I know the feeling, man. Waswas messes with your faith feelings but not your worth. Many scholars allow repeated sprinkling/washing as valid. Fix on one trustworthy opinion and use grounding techniques when OCD hits - breathing, counting, or short dhikr helped me calm down.

+9
4 months ago

Brother, you're being kind to yourself by asking. Many jurists accept sprinkling or several washings if the stain isn't visible; your actions seem sincere and thorough. Don't punish yourself for OCD. Reach out to community support and an imam who gets this.

+11
4 months ago

Wa alaikum assalam brother, you're not alone. Scholars often say sprinkling enough water can suffice; intention and reason matter. Maybe speak to a local imam about your OCD too - they can give practical rulings to ease you. Take small steps, breathe, and don't jump to leaving Islam over something your mind's exaggerating.

+10
4 months ago

You did what you could, and panic made it worse - that happens. In fiqh there's room for ease; if water was used multiple times and you couldn't see the stain then you're likely okay. Consider setting a fixed ritual for cleaning to reduce doubt next time.

+10
4 months ago

Honestly, stop replaying it in your head. Scholars differ but many allow reasonable cleaning like you did. Pick one reliable opinion and follow it. OCD will keep feeding you doubt unless you set firm rules for yourself. Seek help for the OCD too, it's not just a religious thing.

+5
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