Does eating camel meat really break wudu?

Praise be to Allah

Summary: Eating camel meat invalidates wudu, requiring one to perform wudu again before engaging in acts of worship. This ruling applies to all forms of camel meat, whether old or young, male or female, cooked or raw, and is supported by several authentic hadiths.

Detailed Answer:

Islamic jurisprudence provides clear guidance on actions that invalidate wudu (ablution). Among these actions is the consumption of camel meat, a ruling supported by multiple hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

Evidence from Hadith:

1. Hadith of Jaabir:
   • Jaabir reported that the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked, “Should I do wudu after eating camel meat?” He replied, “Yes.” When asked about eating mutton, he replied, “If you wish.” (Sahih Muslim 360)
2. Hadith of al-Baraa:
   • Al-Baraa reported that the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked about eating camel meat. He said, “Do wudu after eating it.” When asked about mutton, he said, “Do not do wudu.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood 184, al-Tirmidhi 81. Classified as sahih by scholars like Imam Ahmad)

Arguments for Abrogation:

Some scholars argue that the ruling requiring wudu after eating camel meat has been abrogated, citing:

• Hadith of Jaabir:
  • Jaabir reported that the last command from the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was that there was no need to do wudu after eating food touched by fire. (Narrated by Abu Dawood 192, al-Nasa’i 185)

Response to Abrogation Argument:

• The specific hadiths about camel meat are not considered abrogated. Specific instructions regarding camel meat take precedence over the general ruling about food touched by fire.
• The statement “If you wish” regarding mutton suggests that the specific guidance on camel meat followed the general ruling.

Scholarly Opinions:

• Classical Scholars:
  • Scholars like Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ishaq ibn Rahwayh, Yahya ibn Yahya, Abu Bakr ibn al-Mundhir, and Ibn Khuzaymah hold that eating camel meat breaks wudu, supported by the hadiths of Jaabir and al-Baraa (Sharh Muslim, 4/49).
• Al-Nawawi’s View:
  • Al-Nawawi noted that while the majority of scholars hold a different view, the evidence for needing wudu after eating camel meat is stronger. Specific rulings on camel meat override general rulings. (Sharh Muslim, 4/49)

Modern Scholars:

• Contemporary Scholars:
  • Scholars such as Shaykh Abd al-Azeez ibn Baz, Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen, and Shaykh al-Albani also affirm that eating camel meat invalidates wudu.

Conclusion:

The consensus, based on hadith evidence and scholarly opinion, is that eating camel meat breaks wudu. Therefore, one should perform wudu after consuming camel meat to ensure ritual purity.

And Allah Knows Best