Ignoring doubts and obsessions

Q: A person was once performing Wudu’ (ablution) when another directed his attention to a dry spot on his foot. In another time, his attention was drawn to a similar dry spot. Consequently, he doubted the validity of all his previous Wudu’. This person is inquiring about the Salahs (Prayers) he performed with Wudu' or Ghusl (ritual bath) the correctness of which he doubts. Should he repeat these prayers or what should he do?

A: All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, and his family and Companions.Drawing the attention of the inquirer once or twice to a dry spot on his foot to which water has not reached while performing Wudu’ does not mean that all his other past Taharah (ritual purification) is judged to be invalid. This is because the basic principle is that he performed valid Wudu’ and validity cannot be nullified by doubts. The same applies to his Ghusl following major ritual impurity. (Part No. 5; Page No. 241) We, thus, advise the inquirer - may Allah grant him success - to set doubts aside and pay attention to nothing but irrefutable facts. Accordingly, his previous Taharah is valid and the prayers he performed with it are also valid.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.