Is Ghusl obligatory for a man who finds seminal fluid without recalling a wet dream?
Chapter on What Necessitates Ghusl
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Ghusl is obligatory upon finding seminal fluid even if the person does not remember the nocturnal emission. This view has no known disagreement. Evidence for the general principle is found in the narration from Umm Salamah (via Umm Sulaym) stating that a woman must perform Ghusl if she sees water (ejaculates), implying Ghusl is linked to seeing the fluid. Furthermore, Aisha narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated that a man who sees a wetness but does not recall an emission must perform Ghusl. This is narrated by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah.
Supporting text
Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) set a precedent by performing Ghusl and washing his garment after realizing he had an emission, even though he initially prayed Fajr without noticing, and similarly, Uthman did so. The general principle derived from hadith is that the presence of fluid dictates the necessity of Ghusl.