Sensory Patches
QUESTION:
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 records my blood glucose levels around the clock. My medical team depends on this detailed data to monitor patterns and adjust my insulin dosage. My diabetes is currently well under control using this method.
Each sensor works for 2 weeks, and I receive 2 per month. Once applied, it cannot be removed and reapplied without having to replace it with a new sensor. The sensor adheres to the skin and covers a small area where water does not reach the skin directly beneath it during Ghusl. Would my Ghusl be valid in this situation?
If using this device presents a problem from a Fiqhi perspective, the only alternative would be to return to finger-prick testing which is not as effective. I am 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.
ANSWER:
It will be best to remove the sensor patch and apply a new one when the need for Ghusl arises, as there are other alternatives available such as the finger-pricking method. However, if a righteous, pious Muslim doctor has suggested that only this method will be effective, then you may keep it on and make Masah over it due to necessity.
الضرورات تبيح المحظورات
( الدر المختار 3/532)
قلت: أرأيت الرجل ينكسر ظفره فيجعل عليه الدواء أو العلك فيتوضأ وقد أمر أن لا ينزعه عنه؟ قال: يجزيه. قلت: وإن لم يخلص الماء إليه؟ قال: وإن لم يخلص الماء إليه، انتهى.
(الأصل1/43)
انكسر ظفره فجعل عليه دواء أو وضعه على شقوق رجله أجرى الماء عليه إن قدر وإلا مسحه وإلا تركه. وقال: والرجل والمرأة والمحدث والجنب في المسح عليها وعلى توابعهما سواء اتفاقا، انتهى۔
(الدر المختار و حاشية ابن عابدين 1/281)
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: 13 Ramadhaan 1447 / 03 March 2026
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb