What is the ruling regarding lice or fleas during prayer?

Chapter on what invalidates the prayer if omitted intentionally or forgetfully

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 4 · Bab 6

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Regarding lice, the preferred course is to ignore them. However, if one kills them, there is no harm, as Anas used to kill lice and fleas during prayer, and al-Hasan also killed lice. 'Umar was reported to have killed lice during prayer, as narrated by Sa'id.

Supporting text

Al-Awza'i preferred leaving them untouched.