And this includes everyone in a state of minor ritual impurity, whether he has relieved himself or not, such as someone who has awakened from sleep or someone who passes wind while awake. It also includes everyone in a state of major ritual impurity, whether caused by a wet dream or intercourse. Thus He said:

“And if you are in a state of minor or major ritual impurity and are ill or on a journey, or one of you has relieved himself”—this is a particular kind of minor ritual impurity—“or you have had contact with women”—this is a particular kind of major ritual impurity.

It may then be said that the term “one in a state of major ritual impurity” encompasses both kinds, while the person who has had intercourse is singled out for mention. Likewise, “one who rises for prayer” encompasses both someone who has relieved himself and someone whose ritual purity has been invalidated otherwise, but the former is singled out for mention. This is like His words:

“Whoever fears partiality or sin on the part of a testator.”

Here, the sinner is someone who acts deliberately. Singling him out for mention—even if he is already included—clarifies the ruling concerning him specifically, lest anyone suppose that he falls outside the general wording. If, however, he is not included, then he constitutes another category.

The implied wording is: “If you are ill or on a journey, then perform dry ablution.” This is the meaning of the verse.

Section

In His words:

“Or one of you has relieved himself,”

He mentions minor ritual impurity. Coming “from the place of relief” means coming from the place where one relieves oneself. They used to