Question
Assalamu Alyakum, I am writing with deep concern and would sincerely appreciate a clear ruling according to the แธคanafฤซ madhhab, as this matter is causing me significant anxiety. I am diabetic, with a condition that is described as a combination of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. For the past 7 years, I have been using a continuous blood glucose monitoring system called FreeStyle Libre. This is a small sensor that is inserted under the skin of my upper arm and continuously records my blood glucose levels 24/7. My medical team depends on this detailed data to monitor patterns and adjust my insulin dosage. My diabetes is currently well controlled using this method. Each sensor works for 2 weeks, and I receive 2 per month. Once applied, it cannot be removed and reapplied. If I were to take it off, I would have to replace it with a new sensor. Because the sensor adheres to the skin and covers a small area, water does not reach the skin directly beneath it during ghusl. My question is: would my ghusl be valid in this situation? I am extremely worried about the validity of my purification and prayers. If using this device presents a problem from a fiqh perspective, the only alternative would be to return to finger-prick testing. However, that method provides only isolated snapshot readings at the moment of testing, rather than continuous and comprehensive data. As a result, it does not offer the same level of insight into daily fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Although I have not undertaken a detailed comparison with my medical team, this continuous monitoring system has been relied upon for years to guide precise insulin adjustments and maintain stable control. I am therefore genuinely concerned that reverting to finger-prick testing alone could compromise the quality of my glucose management and, in the long term, negatively affect my health. JazakAllah Khayrun
Islamic Ruling & Answer
VerifiedWalekumussalam,
If your glucose sensor is attached due to genuine medical need, and removing it would cause harm, health risk, or serious difficulty, then according to the แธคanafฤซ school you are not required to wash the skin underneath it.
If you wash the rest of your entire body properly, your ghusl will be valid.
In แธคanafฤซ fiqh, when washing a body part causes harm, the obligation is lifted. Scholars mention that in the case of a bandage or medical dressing, if removing it or washing underneath would cause harm, it is not required to do so.
Therefore, as long as removing the sensor would cause harm or medical difficulty, your ghusl is valid and your prayers are valid. There is no need to return to finger-prick testing for religious reasons.
May Allah grant you complete and lasting health, bless your heart with peace and reassurance, and accept every act of your worship, purification, and prayer in His divine court. Aameen.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
February 27, 2026
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