Janaba (major ritual impurity)

In fiqh, janaba is the major ritual impurity that requires a full bath. Literally it means distance. Technically it arises from one of two causes: the head of the penis, or its equivalent, entering the private part, or the discharge of semen with desire. ^{1 2}

All schools agree that penetration causes janaba even without emission. The schools differ on children: the Shafi'is and Hanbalis require a bath after penetration where intercourse is possible, the Hanafis require emission, and the Malikis regard the stronger view as no obligation for a child who can distinguish. Discharge counts when accompanied by desire, according to the majority; the Hanafis, Malikis and Hanbalis require desire, while the Shafi'is count any discharge from its usual outlet. ^{2 7 8}

Janaba is lifted by ghusl. The majority hold that tayammum lifts it when water is unavailable; the Malikis, Shafi'is and the usual Hanbali view say it only permits what ghusl permits. ^{8 3 4}

A janub may not pray, perform the funeral prayer or prostration of recitation, and according to the majority may not circumambulate the Ka'ba. He may not touch the Qur'an, and the schools differ on books of tafsir and on coins inscribed with verses. He may make remembrance and supplication, and the schools differ on whether he may recite the Qur'an or stay in a mosque. ^{4 9 10}

Intercourse by choice during the day in Ramadan breaks the fast, requiring expiation and making up the day according to the majority. Emission from a dream does not break the fast; emission by deliberate touching does, according to several schools. In pilgrimage, the effect depends on whether intercourse came before or after standing at Arafat. ^{5 11 6}