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Wudu

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Wudu is a specific Islamic procedure for cleansing parts of the body. It is a form of ritual purification, also known as ablution. In Islam, ritual purity is referred to as tahara. This practice is governed by fiqh, which is Islamic jurisprudence. Fiqh provides the legal rules for hygiene and defines the rituals required for purity.

MultifaithAblutionFacility
MultifaithAblutionFacility

Wudu is often called "partial ablution" to distinguish it from ghusl. Ghusl is a "full ablution" that involves washing the entire body. Wudu is typically performed before a person engages in Salah, which is prayer, or before reading the Quran.

The process of wudu follows a specific sequence of actions. A person begins by making an intention, or resolving in their heart, to perform the act as worship. They then wash their hands up to the wrists. Next, they rinse the mouth and the nose. This is followed by washing the entire face. The person then washes the forearms, making sure to include the elbows. After the arms, they perform masah, which is wiping the head with wet hands. They also clean the ears using their fingers. Finally, they wash or wipe the feet, often up to the ankles.

Water System, Syedna Yusuf
Water System, Syedna Yusuf

These steps must be done in order without long pauses between them.

Different branches of Islam have specific requirements for what makes wudu valid. These are often called farā'id, or obligatory acts. Among Sunni Muslims, the specific obligations can vary by school of thought. For example, the Maliki school requires rubbing the washed organs. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools require performing the actions in a specific order. The Hanbali school also considers wiping the ears to be mandatory. Some schools, like the Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali, also require the person to have a sincere intention in their heart.

TM washing
TM washing

Shia Muslims follow a different set of requirements based on their theology. They believe the mandate for wudu comes from the sixth ayat of al-Ma'idah in the Quran. In the Shia tradition, the face is washed once or twice with the right hand. Both arms, including the elbows, are washed once or twice. The left hand is used to wash the right arm, and the right hand washes the left. They wipe one-fourth of the head using the water remaining on the right hand. Finally, they wipe both feet once using the water left on both hands.

Ablution area inside Eastern wall of Badshahi mosque
Ablution area inside Eastern wall of Badshahi mosque

To perform wudu, a person must use the correct type of water. The water must be muṭlaq, meaning it is pure or unmixed. This includes water from taps, wells, oceans, lakes, or ponds. It can even include melted snow or hail. However, certain liquids are prohibited for this ritual. One cannot use "green" or dirty water. Water mixed with fruit juice, tree extracts, urine, blood, or stool is also not allowed. Additionally, water that has been touched by a live or dead animal is prohibited.

Macau Mosque Ablution Tap
Macau Mosque Ablution Tap

There are certain actions that can invalidate wudu, which is often called "breaking" the wudu. For Sunni Muslims, this includes activities like deep sleep, fainting, or loss of senses. It also includes urination, defecation, or the release of gas. Other factors include vomiting or certain types of bleeding. Shia Muslims share some of these rules, such as urination and defecation. They also include loss of consciousness due to things like anesthesia or drunkenness. However, Shia theology notes that belching or vomiting does not invalidate wudu.

Qaed Ibrahim Mosque-Interior (13)
Qaed Ibrahim Mosque-Interior (13)

Cutting hair or nails also does not break the wudu.

If a person cannot use water, Islam provides an alternative called tayammum. This is known as "dry ablution." It is used when there is a complete scarcity of water. It is also used if a person has a skin disease or illness. In these cases, a person uses clean sand or dust instead of water. This ensures that ritual purity can be maintained even in difficult circumstances.

Water System, Syedna Yusuf
Water System, Syedna Yusuf

This connection between physical cleanliness and spiritual readiness is a central part of the faith. Many traditions emphasize that cleanliness is a fundamental part of faith itself.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:MultifaithAblutionFacility.jpg
MultifaithAblutionFacility.jpg
File:TM_washing.JPG
TM_washing.JPG
File:Ablution area inside Eastern wall of Badshahi mosque.JPG
Ablution area inside Eastern wall of...
File:Qaed Ibrahim Mosque-Interior (13).jpg
Qaed Ibrahim Mosque-Interior (13).jpg
File:Water_System,_Syedna_Yusuf.jpg
Water_System,_Syedna_Yusuf.jpg
File:Macau Mosque Ablution Tap.JPG
Macau Mosque Ablution Tap.JPG
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