WUDU - Ablution - WUDOO

Cleanliness (Taharah) is an important precondition of Islamic worship. Wudu is an essential part of Cleanliness. Salah (prayer) is not valid without Wudu' or Tayammum(dry Ablution).  Islam encourages cleanliness. To ensure this is preformed, it is mandatory that your body and clothing be clean before performing your salaat. Your prayer will not be valid unless your body and clothing are clean. Clothing must be considered tahir and removed of all impurities. Impurities include blood, urine, and excrement.

Allah says in the Qur'an :
"Surely Allah loves those who turn to Him and those who care for cleanliness" (2:222).

Purification Before Salaat :

Water Restrictions

The following water only, is permissible for Wudu. Natural water such as rain, lakes, rivers (any moving water) and tap water. Only in the following situation are you permitted to perform prayer while your body or clothing is najis (dirty). If you are injured and the body becomes dirty and it is difficult to wash the clothing or body. If you do not know that your body or clothing is najis (dirty), and after the Salaat you realizes it. If you have made wudu and should come in contact with blood that is less then the size of the tip of your thumb. Someone is helpless and must pray with a najis body or clothing; for example, one does not have water to clean the clothing or body.

WUDU - Minor Impurities and the Purification Method in text details, 1 to 10

The purifying of your body is called wudu. The passing of excrement, gas, urine, vomiting, bleeding, touching of sexual organs without clothing, falling into a deep sleep, and laughing loudly during salaat can all break your wudu. Once wudu is preformed and not broken you may perform multiple prayers. Here are some instructions to follow for performing wudu.

Before starting the actions of wudu it is necessary to make niyyah. Make niyyah that the act of performing wudu is for the purpose of purity only. Niyyah should be made in the heart because it is an action of the heart and not of the tongue. Niyyah by words is not approved by the Prophet (SAW).

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "Verily the actions are by intention and there is for everyone only what he intended..." (Sahih - Fath-ul-Baaree and Muslim)

At-Tasmiyyah (Mentioning Allah's Name)

Call upon Allah at the start of Wudu by saying Bismillah (silently or aloud).

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "There is no wudu for him who does not mention Allah's name upon it." (Sahih - Ibn Maajah, At-Tirmithee, Abu Dawood, and others)

1. Wash the hands 3 times up to the wrists with water, allowing water to run between the fingers.

Humran (RA) narrates that Uthman (RA) called for water to make wudu and washed his hands three times... then said, "I saw Rasoolullah (SAW) make wudu just as I have made wudu." (Sahih - Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

2. Rinse the mouth with water three times.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "When you make wudu then wash your mouth." (Sahih - Al-Baihaqee)

3. Clean the nostrils by sniffing water in then out 3 times.

The Prophet (SAW) said, "When one of you makes wudu then let him enter water into his nose, then expel it." (Sahih - Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood)

Abd Khair (RA) said, "We were sitting looking towards Ali (RA) - as he made Wudu - and he entered into his mouth a handful of water with his right hand and washed his mouth and nose, then expelled it from his nose with his left hand - he did that three times, then said, 'Whoever would like to see the way of purification of Rasoolullah (SAW) - then this is his purification.'" (Sahih - Ad-Daarimee)

4. Clean the face 3 times from the top of the forehead down to the chin and from ear to ear.

Allah (SWT) said, "O you who believe! When you intend to offer prayer, wash your faces and your hands (fore-arms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles…" (Al-Ma'idah 5:6)

Humran ibn Abaan (RA) narrates that Uthman (RA) called for water to make wudu and so mentioned the way in which the Prophet (SAW) made wudu. Humran (RA) said, "Then he washed his face three times." (Sahih - Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

5. Running Water Through the Beard with the Fingers

Take a handful of water into the right hand and enter it below the chin and rub it through the beard making sure to get all the way down to the roots of the hair.

Anas (RA) narrates that the Prophet (SAW), when he made wudu, used to take a handful of water and enter it below his chin and rub it through his beard and said, "This is what my Lord - the Great and Exalted - has ordered me to do." (Sahih - Abu Dawood, Al-Baihaqee, Al-Haakim)

6. Wash the arms three times, from the elbows right arm first, then left.

Allah (SWT) said, "O you who believe! When you intend to offer prayer, wash your faces and your hands (fore-arms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles…" (Al-Ma'idah 5:6)

Nu'aim ibn Mijmar (RA) said, "I saw Abu Hurairah make wudu - he washed his face and completed the wudu, then washed his right hand until he reached the upper arm, then his left hand till he reached the upper arm" - then in the end of the Hadith he said: "This is how I saw Rasoolullah (SAW) make wudu.'" (Sahih - Muslim)

7. Moisten the hands and pass them over the head from the forehead to the back of the hairline, and from there back to the forehead.

Allah (SWT) said, "O you who believe! When you intend to offer prayer, wash your faces and your hands (fore-arms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles…" (Al-Ma'idah 5:6)

The Prophet (SAW) wiped his head with his two hands, moving them forwards and backwards - beginning with the front of the head and (wiping) with them up to his nape then he (SAW) returned them to the place from which he began. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Muslim, At-Tirmithee, and others)

*Wiping Over the Turban

Men who wear a head piece that is difficult to remove (such as a turban) should wipe over the head covering. Do this one time.

Amr ibn Umayyah (RA) said, "I saw Rasoolullah (SAW) wipe over his turban and leather socks." (Sahih - Al-Bukhari and others)

*Wiping Over the Turban and Forelock

If part of the head is uncovered and it is normally so, then it is preferable to wipe over the part that is uncovered along with the turban. Do this one time.

Shu'bah (RA) said, "The Messenger of Allah (SAW) made wudu and wiped over the front portion of his scalp, his turban and his socks. (Sahih - Muslim)

*Woman's Head Cover

As for the woman's head cover, it is also permissible to wipe over it. This would be the case of a woman that has no private place for wudu (i.e. where non-Mahram men or non-Muslim women may see them). Do this one time. Umm Salamah (RA) used to wipe over her head cover . (See'al-Mughnee' - Ibn Mundhir)

8. Wipe the earlobes with the fore-fingers cleaning the inside of the ears and the thumbs cleaning the external side.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "The two ears are a part of the head." (Sahih - At-Tirmithee, Abu Dawood, and Ibn Maajah)

From Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) - about the way of performing wudu - he (SAW) said, "Then he (SAW) wiped his head and entered his two forefingers into his ears and wiped the backs of his ears with his thumbs". (Sahih - Abu Dawood, An-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Khuzaimah)

Ar-Rabee bint Mu'awwidh (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW), "Wiped his head with water remaining in his hand". (Hasan - Abu Dawood and others)

9. Wash both feet beginning with the right foot up to the ankles allowing the water to run between each toe.

Allah (SWT) said, "O you who believe! When you intend to offer prayer, wash your faces and your hands (fore-arms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles…" (Al-Ma'idah 5:6)

"Ibn Umar (RA) said, "Rasoolullah (SAW) fell behind us and then came upon us during a journey, then we found him and it was time for 'Asr - so we began to make Wudu and wipe over our feet, so he (SAW) called out at the top of his voice, 'Woe to the ankles from the Fire. (two or three times)'" (Sahih - Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

"Al-Mustaurad (RA) said, "When the Prophet (SAW) made wudu he would enter the water between his toes with his little finger." (Sahih - Abu Dawood, At-Tirmithee, and Ibn Maajah)

*Wiping Over the Foot Covering

Wiping over the top of the foot covering with wet hands instead of washing the feet is allowed, provided that the foot covering has been put on after performing wudu that included washing the feet. Wipe the top of each foot one time, using the right hand for the right foot and the left hand for the left foot. This is allowed for 24 hours from the time of wudu, if not traveling. After this time the feet must be washed. It is allowed for 3 days from the time of wudu, if traveling. After this time the feet must be washed.

Amr ibn Umayyah (RA) said, "I saw Rasoolullah (SAW) wipe over his turban and leather socks." (Sahih - Al-Bukhari and others)

Drying the Body-Parts After Wudu

Drying the body-parts after wudu is a desirable action.

Aishah (RA) said, "Rasoolullah (SAW) had a cloth which he used to dry himself with after making wudu." (Sahih - An-Nasaa'ee)

How Many Times For Each Action in Wudu

Each detail of wudu has been performed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once, twice or three times (except wiping of head and ears, these should only be done once). Washing each body-part once is obligatory - and the second and third washings are Sunnah - and it is better to wash three times so as to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).

Ibn Abbas (RA) said, "Rasoolullah (SAW) made wudu (washing each part) once." (Sahih - Al-Bukhari)

Abdullah ibn Zaid (RA) narrates that the Prophet (SAW) made wudu (washing each part) twice. (Sahih - Al-Bukhari)

Uthman (RA) recorded that he (SAW) washed each of the parts three times. (Sahih - Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Beginning With the Right

Always wash the right hand before the left hand. Always wash the right foot before the left foot. Always wash the right side before the left side.

Aisha (RA) said, "Rasoolullah (SAW) used to like to begin with the right in putting on shoes, combing his hair, in purification and in all of his affairs." (Sahih - Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and others)

Reading Du'as (Supplications) After Wudu

After wudu, first say aloud or silently:

"Ash hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wah dahu la shareeka lahu wa ash hadu an-na muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasulhu"

(I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad (SAW) is His slave and Messenger)

Then say aloud or silently:

"Allah hum maj 'alnee minat taw-wabeena, waj 'alnee minal muta tah-hireen."

(O Allah, make me one of those who constantly repents to You and of those who purify themselves)

Rasoolullah (SAW) said, "None of you makes wudu and completes the wudu then says: "Ash hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wah dahu la shareeka lahu wa ash hadu an-na muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasulhu" except that all eight Gates of Paradise are opened for him - so that he enters by whichever he pleases." (Sahih - Muslim, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmithee, An-Nasaa'ee, Ibn Maajah)

"Allah hum maj 'alnee minat taw-wabeena, waj 'alnee minal muta tah-hireen." (Sahih - At-Tirmithee)

WUDU - 1/10 steps - Minor Impurities and the Purification Method in text with pictures
 

1. First make Niyyah (Intention) that you are making Wudu' for Salah
N.B the place of intention is the heart
and begin saying. "Bismillah.." (In the name of Allah, the most merciful and the most kind).
Wash both hands up to the wrist three times,
making sure that water has reached between the fingers.

2.3,4 rinsed ur mouth and cleaned ur nose with water (three times)
Put a handful of water into your mouth and back it Sniff water into your nostrils three times to clean them and then wash the tip of the nose.

5,6 Wash your face three times from right ear to left ear and from forehead to throat.

7. Wash your right arm and then your left arm thoroughly from wrist up to elbow three times.

( 8 a & b) Move the wet palms over the head from the top of forehead to the back of the head.

9) Pass the wet tips of index fingers into the grooves and holes of both ears and also pass the wet thumbs behind the ears

10. Finally, wash both feet to the ankles starting from the right, making sure that water has reached between the toes and all other parts of the feet.


At the end of the above steps recite:
 

"Ash hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wah dahu la shareeka lahu wa ash hadu an-na muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasulhu"
Meaning: I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad (SAW) is His slave and Messenger

Then say aloud or silently:

"Allah hum maj 'alnee minat taw-wabeena, waj 'alnee minal muta tah-hireen."
Meaning: O Allah, make me one of those who constantly repents to You and of those who purify themselves

You Should repeat your Wudu after :

1. Natural discharge (e.g. urine, stool, wind and the like)
2. Flow of blood or pus from any part of the body.
3. Full mouth vomiting
4. Falling asleep.

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Al-Ghusl (The Washing Or Bath) - Major Impurities and the Purification Method

The procedure is as follows: Begin with the name of Allah as for Wudu.
Wash the hands and the affected parts of the body with water to remove any impurity. Perform Wudu as above.
The wash the whole body three times, using clean water for each wash.
 

  To remove major impurities from your body, you are required to perform Ghusl, or a full shower. The following acts require Ghusl. The emission of fluids from male or female sexual organs, one is defiled as a result of nocturnal emission (or a wet dream), menstruations, sexual intercourse, masturbation, child birth or when entering into the fold of Islam.

To perform Ghusl you should combine the procedures of Wudu to maximize the level of purity.

  1. Begin with the name of Allah as for Wudu.

  2. Begin with clean flowing water, stand or squat in the water. Do not sit in the water.

  3. Make the intention (Niyyat Ghusl) to perform Ghusl.

  4. Wash the hands 3 times up to the wrists with water, allowing water to run between the fingers.

  5. Wash private areas with the left hand.

  6. Wash the hands again 3 times up to the wrists with water, allowing water to run between the fingers.

  7. Rinse the mouth with water three times.

  8. Clean the nostrils by sniffing water in then out 3 times.

  9. Clean the face 3 times from the top of the forehead down to the chin and from ear to ear.

  10. Wash the arms three times, from the elbows right arm first, then left.

  11. Moisten the hands and pass them over the head from the forehead to the back of the hairline, and from there back to the forehead.

  12. Wipe the earlobes with the fore-fingers cleaning the inside of the ears and the thumbs cleaning the external side.

  13. Pour water over your head 3 times. then over right and then left side of body three times. The entire body should become wet leaving nothing dry.

  14. Wash both feet beginning with the right foot up to the ankles allowing the water to run between each toe.

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Tayammum (Dry Ablution) - and the Purification Method

When absolutetly no water is available, you should perform Tayammum (dry wudu)...

On certain occasions, it may become either impossible (e.g.. when water cannot be found or just enough for drinking is available), or it is dangerous, because of illness, to use water for Wudu or Al-Ghusl. In such situations, Tayammum (dry ablution) is performed.

   Islam is formatted to adapt to many circumstances that may occur. One such circumstance is not having water available to perform purification. If no water, water that is contaminated, or if water is very scarce you are allowed to perform a dry purification called Tayammum.

The Procedure:

1. Make intention (Niyyat Tayammum in heart) to perform Tayammum.

2. Begin with the name of Allah.

3. Gently pat the palms of your hands on pure sand or gravel.

4. Blow off remaining dust then gently wipe hands across face.

5. Pat hands on ground gently and blow off the dust.

6. Wipe the right hand up to the elbow then repeat with the left arm.

7. Finish with the Kalimatu Ash-Shahadah as for Wudu.

Having Cleansed yourself by Wudu, you can now proceed to perform Salah. You must have a clean body, a clean place and wear clean clothes before you start offer Salah .

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Actions That Break Wudu

Actions that break wudu are as follows: that which comes out from the two private parts (front and back) such as urine*, wind, excretion*, blood*, etc., sound sleep while lying down or reclining, touching the uncovered private parts,

Allah (SWT) said, "…or any of you comes from answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (sexual intercourse)…" (Al-Ma’idah 5:6)

The Prophet (SAW) said, "There is no wudu except from a sound or a smell." (Sahih - Ul-Jaarni)

Rasoolullah (SAW) said, "The eye is the drawstring for the anus, so he who sleeps then let him make wudu." (Sahih - Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah, Ahmad)

Rasoolullah (SAW) said, "If one of you touches his penis and there is no veil between him and it nor any cover, then wudu has become obligatory for him." (Sahih - Al-Haakim and others)

*That Which Comes Out From the Private Parts

Menstruating and post-partum bleeding women are not permitted to pray. Menstruating and post-partum bleeding women must complete their bleeding period and make ghusl (wudu plus bathing the entire body) before returning to their prayers.

Anyone having a continuous flow of blood, urine or excretion from the privates parts must wash the privates and make wudu for every prayer, after the time has entered. Anyone having continuous impurities from the private parts fall under the rules of istihadah. For more information about itsihadah read Natural Blood of Women by Shayekh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Utheimeen or any other book containing laws from the Quran and authentic Sunnah regarding the natural blood of women.

The Prophet (SAW) said to Fatimah bint Hubaish (RA), "Give up the prayer when your menses begins, and after it finishes, wash the blood off your body (by having a full shower/bath), and start praying." (Sahih - Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet (SAW) told Fatimah bint Hubaish (RA), "Refrain from Salat during the days of your normal menses then wash and make ablution for every Salat and then pray even if blood drops onto the mat!" (Sahih - Al-Bukhari)

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NOTES:

• Do not even think about performing dry wudu if there is water available

• Do not skip over any of the steps of wudu

• Generally make effort to remain in a state of wudu at all times, combined with thoughts on dhikr (the remembrance of Allah, swt).  For instance, do wudu each time after relieving oneself or after becoming angry.  Recognize the importance of being in a state of wudu before going to sleep.