Continuous Glucose Monitors
Question
How does the usage of continuous glucose monitor affect Wudhu and Ghusl?
Answer
The application process for a Continuous Glucose Monitor requires it to be placed directly on the skin of the upper arm. The device features an IP27 (ingress protection rating), meaning the hard plastic casing is structurally certified to withstand complete water immersion up to 1 meter (3 feet) deep for up to 30 minutes. Because this solid plastic core is pressed firmly against one’s body, it forms a physical barrier that prevents water from reaching the specific patch of skin beneath it.
As the device is placed on the upper arm (above the elbow), it would not create a problem when making Wudhu, as the upper arm is not required to be washed in Wudhu. However, it would create a problem when taking an obligatory Ghusl (after intercourse, after having a wet dream, or in the case of a woman, when she is over with her periods). This device creates a barrier which conflicts with one of the primary conditions of an obligatory Ghusl – that water must reach every single hair of the body. Because the sensor prevents water from reaching the skin of the upper arm, the obligatory Ghusl cannot be complete.
In conclusion, you can wear the CGM, but when in need of an obligatory Ghusl, you must remove the monitor, perform the Ghusl, and then place another CGM on your arm.
سوال
References (Arabic / Urdu sources)
( ويجب) أي يفرض (غسل) كل ما يمكن من البدن بلا حرج مرة كأذن و (سرة وشارب وحاجب و) أثناء (لحية) وشعر رأس ولو متبلدا لما في – فاطهروا} [المائدة: ٦] من المبالغة ( وفرج خارج ) لأنه كالفم لا داخل؛ لأنه باطن، ولا تدخل أصبعها في قبلها به يفتي.
(كتاب حاشية ابن عابدين رد المحتار ج ۱ ص ٥٠٦ دار السلام)
(وأما) ركنه فهو إسالة الماء على جميع ما يمكن إسالته عليه من البدن من غير حرج مرة واحدة حتى لو بقيت لمعة لم يصبها الماء لم يجز الغسل، وإن كانت يسيرة لقوله تعالى { وإن كنتم جنبا فاطهروا } [المائدة: ٦] ، أي : طهروا أبدانكم
(بدائع الصنائع في ترتيب الشرائع ج ١ ص ١٣٦ دار الحديث)
الباب الثاني في الغسل) ( وفيه ثلاثة فصول) (الفصل الأول في فرائضه وهي ثلاثة: المضمضة والاستنشاق، وغسل جميع البدن على ما في المتون
(الفتاوى الهندية ج ۱ ص ١٣ المكتبة الماجدية)
قال رحمه الله وفرض الغسل غسل فمه وأنفه وبدنه) … قوله وبدنه أي وغسل جميع بدنه وهذا بالاتفاق على ما بينا،
تبيين الحقائق ج ۱ ص ۱۳ مكتبة حقانية)
Can users bathe, shower, swim or exercise while wearing a Sensor?
Yes. The Sensor can be worn while bathing, showering, swimming or exercise. The Sensor should not be taken below 1 metre of water (3 feet), and should not be submerged in water for more than 30 minutes. The adhesive is designed to keep the Sensor securely and comfortably in place for up to 14 days. (https://www.freestyle.abbott/eg -en/support/faq/question -answer.html?q=the -freestyle-libre -system-tab-question-51)
How is the Sensor applied to the body?
The Sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm with a simple, disposable device called an applicator. When the Sensor is applied, a small (5mm) filament is inserted just under the skin, and held in place with a small adhesive pad. Most patients don’t f eel pain when applying the FreeStyle Libre Sensor.
In a study conducted by Abbott Diabetes Care, 94% of patients surveyed (n=122) patients agree that the FreeStyle Libre sensor is comfortable to wear.
(https://www.freestyle.abbott/eg-en/support/faq/question -answer.html?q=the -freestyle-libre -system-tabquestion -37)
IP27: Can withstand immersion into 3 ft (1 meter) of water for up to 30 minutes.
(https://freestyleserver.com/Payloads/IFU/2023/q4/DOC48621_rev_A/English/Assets/mi_system_specifications.html?direction=forward)
- Approved by
- Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Azaadville. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, ask the issuing Darul Ifta directly.