If one needed to relieve themselves (urinate or defecate) and prayed anyway — is the prayer valid?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules that praying while needing to relieve oneself is forbidden; if one prayed and could not hold back for the duration of a parasang (≈1 hour 12 minutes), the prayer is an abomination (to'evah) and must be repeated. If one could hold back for a full parasang, the prayer is valid b'dieved. Authorities dispute whether this applies equally to urination (ketanim) and defecation (gedolim).
More in Minimum Requirements for Prayer
Is one who needs to relieve themselves prohibited from Torah study as well as prayer?
2 opinions
If bodily urge arises in the middle of the Amidah, may one finish the prayer or must one stop?
5 opinions across 3 eras
If bodily urge arises during Shema and its blessings, may one continue reciting or must one stop?
3 opinions
Must one remove mucus and phlegm before praying?
2 opinions
How far must one travel to obtain water for handwashing before prayer?
3 opinions across 3 eras
If one washed hands in the morning and was then distracted (heseich hadaat), must one re-wash before prayer?
4 opinions
If one is in the middle of prayer and remembers touching a dirty place, what is required?
2 opinions
What constitutes a 'dirty place' (makom metu'naf) that requires handwashing?
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Discussion
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