Is minor discharge of blood or pus that is not offensively noticeable excused in prayer?
Chapter on Praying with Impurity and Other Matters
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The majority of scholars rule that minor amounts of blood and pus are excused. This opinion is attributed to Ibn Abbas, Abu Hurayrah, Jabir, Ibn Abi Awfa, Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, Tawus, Mujahid, Urwah, Muhammad ibn Kinanah, Al-Nakha'i, Qatadah, Al-Awza'i, one of the two positions of Al-Shafi'i, and the People of Opinion (Ashab al-Ra'y). The evidence supporting this concession is the narration from Aisha, who stated that if a woman noticed a spot of menstrual blood on her garment, she would rub it with her saliva. This implies concession because saliva does not purify and her nail would become impure upon touching it, indicating a continuous practice sanctioned by the Prophet (peace be upon him). This is also supported by the consensus of the named Companions, as no contemporary opposed them.
Supporting text
Ibn Umar reportedly used to refrain from praying if there was even a small amount, whether major or minor, considering it an impurity similar to urine. Al-Hasan similarly stated that major and minor amounts are equal. The position of Ibn Umar is also contradicted by a narration where he prayed while blood and pus were dripping from his hands due to a crack or a squeezed sore, wiping it off with his hand without performing ablution. Personal abstention from what is permissible does not negate permissibility. Exemption is also granted because avoiding it is difficult, similar to the residue of Istinja'.