FIQH: WUDHÛ (ABLUTION)

Wudhû is a form of religious purity, including washing and wiping certain parts of one’s body according to religious rules. One who is not in a state of Wudhû is not allowed to perform Salâh, to make Tawâf (circumambulation) around the Holy Ka’bah or to touch the Noble Qur’ân.

The Fardh (Obligatory) Acts of Wudhû

To wash the face,

To wash the arms up to and including the elbows,

To make masah (wipe) over one-fourth of the head,

To wash the feet up to and including the ankles

The Sunnah Acts of Wudhû

1. To make Niyyah (intention),

2. To start Wudhû with Basmalah, (Aûdhu…),

3. To wash first both the hands up to the wrists,

4. To make use of the Sunnah miswâk (toothbrush),

5. To wash all successive parts of one’s body before the former part dries, 

6. To take in water into the mouth and nostrils, three times,

7. To rub one’s ears with wet fingers,

8. To pass the wet fingers of both hands against each other (to make khilâl),

9. To wash each required parts of the body three times,

10. To wipe with wet hands over the whole head,

11. To wash the necessary parts of one’s body in the prescribed order (to observe Tartîb),

12. To begin to wash the hands and the feet from the ends of the fingers/toes.

Though there are many Duas (supplications) to recite during Wudhû, it is better to recite Basmalah and Kalimah Al-Shahâdah while washing/rubbing each part of the body.

The Makrûh (Disliked) Acts Of Wudhû

• To blow the nose with the right hand,

• To wash/rub a required part of the body more than or less than three times,

• To splash water on the face,

• To use insufficient water or to be wasteful in the use of water for Wudhû,

• To speak during Wudhû,

• To neglect the Sunnah acts of Wudhû.

Note: For further information on Wudhu, please refer to “Ilm Al-Hal” published by Fazilet Neşriyat.