Understanding Blood in the Body Less Than the Size of a Fingertip Knot

Question

A question regarding the type of blood in the body that is excused in prayer if it is less than the size of a fingertip knot.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him):

Blood in the body and on clothing is excused if its amount is less than a dirham, except for menstrual blood. It is also recommended to consider blood from impure animals, carrion, and any non-edible meat, as well as postpartum and irregular bleeding, which are not excused even in small amounts. Additionally, any impurity from blood does not fall under this ruling.

It is strongly recommended to limit the amount to what equals the size of a fingertip knot.

This does not refer to blood from wounds or sores, as the ruling differs. You can refer to the ruling in Question 10209.

Source: Minhaj al-Salihin - Part One - Regarding What is Excused in Prayer from Impurities - Issues 446 + 450

---

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):

If the body or clothing of the person praying becomes impure with blood, and if the amount is less than the size of a fingertip knot, there is no issue in the prayer. However, if it is equal to or greater than that, the prayer is invalid.

The blood that is less than a dirham must meet the following conditions:

It should not be menstrual blood; if it is, the prayer is invalid even if it is very little. It is also strongly recommended that it should not be from postpartum or irregular bleeding.

The blood should not be from an impure animal (like dogs and pigs), carrion, or from a non-edible animal, nor from a non-Muslim.

This does not refer to blood from wounds or sores, as the ruling differs. You can refer to the ruling in Question 10209.

Source: Educational Message - Conditions of the Prayer Garment - That the blood present on the garment or body is less than a dirham (the size of a fingertip knot)

May you be successful in all good.