Body Cleanliness or Public Prayer
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Question
Hello, A person who can pray Mincha Gedola feels the need to relieve himself but is not sure. He knows that if he goes to the restroom, he will not make it to the start of the prayer. On the other hand, he knows he won't be able to pray later in public. What should he do? - Go to pray without checking - Check and go to pray with the repetition of the chazzan - Pray alone later at home Thank you very much
Answer
Hello,
If a person needs to relieve himself, he should do so and then pray, even if he misses the public prayer.
This rule applies even if he can hold himself for an hour and a fifth, and in such a case, if he prayed, he has fulfilled his obligation. However, initially, he should not pray in such a state.
It is important to emphasize that this is only when there is a real need, but there are many cases where a person suffers from imaginary fears in these matters. And if a person knows himself and understands that this is his condition, there is no need to relieve himself, and certainly, he should not miss public prayer due to such thoughts.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 92, Sif 1, Mishnah Berurah, Sif Katan 5