As for the loss of blood, it too clearly weakens the body. This is why one who has undergone cupping or donated some of his blood to another person is advised to promptly eat food that is quickly digested and rapidly distributed throughout the body, in order to replenish the blood that was lost. The emission of semen likewise has this effect, undoubtedly leaving the body weakened. This is why one is instructed to perform ghusl (a full ritual bath), so that vigor may return to the body. Thus, it may be analogized to cupping and vomiting. On this basis, we say that if semen is emitted with desire, it invalidates the fast, on the basis of both textual evidence and analogy.

His statement: “or he engages in intimate contact and ejaculates,” means that he engages in intimate contact with his wife, whether with his hand, by kissing her face, or through intercourse. If he ejaculates, his fast is invalidated; but if he does not ejaculate, this does not invalidate his fast.

With regard to ejaculation through intimate contact, we say the same as we said regarding ejaculation through masturbation: it invalidates the fast.

It is understood from the author’s words that if he masturbates without ejaculating, his fast is not invalidated; and that if he engages in intimate contact without ejaculating, this likewise does not invalidate his fast. The ruling on intimate contact will be explained later.

His statement: “or emits madhy,” means that this invalidates the fast. Madhy is a thin fluid that is discharged following arousal, without a person feeling it as it comes out. In terms of ritual impurity, it lies between urine and semen: semen is pure, but requires washing the entire body; urine is impure and requires washing whatever it touches of the body or clothing; while madhy requires washing the penis and testicles, but does not require washing clothing if it touches it. Rather, sprinkling it with water suffices, as is established from the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him (1).