Is ritual bathing (Ghusl) required if a person experiences nocturnal emission (ihtilam) but finds no seminal fluid (mani)?
Chapter on What Necessitates Ghusl
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Ghusl is not required if one dreams of nocturnal emission but does not find any seminal fluid upon waking. This is agreed upon by all scholars whose opinions are known, including Ibn al-Mundhir. Evidence suggests that if ejaculation occurs later or after waking, Ghusl is obligatory because it is assumed the seminal fluid merely transferred and its exit was delayed until after waking. This ruling is affirmed by Ahmad.
Supporting text
If one wakes up finding seminal fluid but does not recall having a wet dream, Ghusl is obligatory without dispute. This position is held by Umar, Uthman, Ibn Abbas, Atah, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, al-Sha'bi, al-Nakh'i, al-Hasan, Mujahid, Qatadah, Malik, al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq, based on the presumption that a forgotten emission caused the discharge.