Q.| When we use eyeliner or eyebrow pencil, there usually remains a residual stain even after wiping off the cosmetic agent, such that if we rub a clean white cloth firmly on that part of the face, it absorbs a very light stain. Does this residual stain obstruct the performance of the ablutions of wuḍū and ghusl?

A.| If the residual stain lacks tangible substance (jirm),^[1] it does not prevent water from reaching the skin and as such does not harm the correct performance of the ablutions of wuḍū and ghusl. If, however, it does partake of tangible substance, it must be removed prior to performing ablution.

[1] Color is said to partake of jirm, or tangible substance, if it is accompanied by tangible matter that can prevent water from reaching the skin. Oil paint, for instance, partakes of tangible substance. The mark left behind by a Magic Marker, on the other hand, especially after it becomes dry, may be said to be devoid of tangible substance.