The Number in Istibra

Question

Is the act of istibra (purification) specifically limited to the number nine, or can it be done with a lesser number? [AR_ID:2293]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):

It is not sufficient to perform less than three in each step, and the duration of the act also contributes to the certainty that nothing remains in the passage.

Source: Commentary on Al-Urwah Al-Wuthqa, Vol. 1, Note 530 + Minhaj Al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Chapter 4: Istibra

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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):

The method of istibra is, preferably, to vigorously wipe between the buttocks and the base of the penis three times, then place the index finger, for example, under the penis and the thumb above it, and wipe vigorously to the head three times, then squeeze the head three times. If afterward he sees a questionable moisture—uncertain whether it is urine or something else—he rules it as pure and does not invalidate his wudu (ablution) if he had performed it before its exit. In contrast, if he does not perform istibra, he rules it as impure and invalidating. This is the benefit of istibra.

Additionally, the duration and frequent movement contribute to the certainty that nothing remains in the passage and that the questionable moisture came from above, thus ruling it as pure and not invalidating.

Source: Special Inquiry.

May you be successful in all good.