Wudhu: A Beginner’s Guide to Islamic Purification and Prayer

Would the Prophet (PBUH)  be able to recognize the Muslims on the day of Judgement? Doesn’t it seem like such a common question that arises in the minds of numerous Muslims? 

While discussing the events of the Day of Resurrection, it is reported by Abu Hurairah, that the prophet replied with; 

"Yes, you would have a mark which other people will not have. You would come to me with a white blaze on your foreheads and white marks on your feet because of the traces of ablution." 

Wudhu, the most crucial preceding step before partaking in the act of worship/prayer or before reading the Quran, is the Islamic purification ritual where Muslims clean important parts of their body, such as; the face, arms, head, and feet. Since cleanliness is half a pillar of faith, it proves to be a completely non-negotiable act, especially when one is about to perform such an important practice of our religion. 

Due to its significance, Muslims are equipped with the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). Hence, while making ablution, Muslims must follow the laws set in place to make their wudhu count.  

Steps to make Wudhu 

"O believers! When you rise up for prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of full impurity, then take a full bath.” [Quran 5:6]

This ayah of Surah Al- Ma’ida, is the only verse in The Holy Quran that explains the method of ablution, which was further delineated in the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). 

Before any action, the believer must have pure and sincere intention and understanding of their objective to complete that task. Similarly, prior to the first step in making wudhu accurate it is important to make proper intentions. Furthermore, starting any activity in the name of Allah to add blessing (barakah) is always a priority.

1. Wash both hands thrice.
   Starting with the right hand, wash each hand thoroughly 3 times, up to the wrists, in between the fingers, etc. And then repeat the same process with your left hand. 
   
   
2. Rinse mouth thrice.
   By gathering some water in your right hand, one must entirely rinse their mouth 3 times then move to the next step. 
   
   
3. Sniff water thrice.
   

    "Whoever performs ablution should clean his nose with water by putting the water in it and then blowing it out”

   As per the guidance of the Prophet (PBUH) Muslims have to clean their noses with water by ensuring the water properly enters and rinses their nose, after which they can blow it out. 

4. Wash face 3 times.
   Similar to the previous steps, Muslims must wash their face with water 3 times. Water must touch each part of your face making sure the water comes in contact with the entire perimeter of the face, from the hairline to the neck 
   
   
5. Wash both arms 3 times.
   Starting with the right arm, wash from your fingertips to your elbows, ensuring water touches each part of the arm, and then repeat the same with the left arm. 
   
   
6. Wipe your head.
   Instead of washing your head each time you make wudhu, lightly wipe your hand with a bit of water and wipe it over your head, neck, and lastly, in and behind your ears. Regardless of your hair type or style, it is key to wipe your head with water.
   
   
7. Wash both feet 3 times.
   Moving on to the last step, to properly culminate the entire ablution process, each Muslim is required to wash both feet thoroughly (starting with the right foot), from the toes to the ankles, and to properly wrap up the ablution process, one must by reciting the shahada and the Dua.
   
   
   
   Debatably, this step may cause difficulties for Muslims trying to perform ablution outside of the comfort of their homes or mosques. If you are a Muslim on the go who prefers the convenience of being able to wash their feet without having to deal with wet socks, then DEENIN has got the product for you!
   
   The 100% breathable and waterproof feature of The Wudhu Sock makes it the best addition to your closet to comfortably and conveniently perform ablution in any location you might be in, all while maintaining and abiding by the shari’ah regulation of wudhu. To grasp a better understanding of the entire concept of masah, have a look at our blog; “Understanding Masah”

When performing such a pivotal act in our day-to-day routine, it is important we keep in mind some of the most important rules and regulations to be certain that our ablution is executed accurately. Some main rules are highlighted below: 

• Every part must be properly cleaned

Making sure each step of the ablution process is carried out perfectly is important. Ensure the water touches every inch of the body parts highlighted above. No dirt particles should remain, even under your nails, and no part of the skin should be dry. 

• Do not waste water. 

It has become a common habit to keep the tap running while making wudhu, come on we all are guilty of it from time to time, however, it is important we make an effort to better ourselves as a popular hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) states: “Do not waste water even if you were at a running stream” (Sunan Ibn Majah 425), clearly indicates how important it is to preserve water for “God loves not the wasters” [7:31]

Making small changes in our day-to-day to improve ourselves as Muslims can be tough but is important. To help achieve that, DEENIN is introducing a new product; The Wudhu Spray bottle. With its fine and continuous mist and adequate quantity, 5-7 people can easily complete their ablution process. 

• Water must drip from the body parts washed.

The features of The Wudhu Spray Bottle go hand-in-hand with another vital ablution law, that being, water must drip from the body parts washed. The logic behind this rule is that as the water drips it washes along the sins committed by the believer. As reported by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (PBUH) said: 

“When a bondsman-a Muslim or a believer-washes his face (in course of ablution), every sin he contemplated with his eyes, will be washed away from his face along with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought will be effaced from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin towards which his feet have walked will be washed away with the water or with the last drop of water with the result that he comes out pure from all sins.”

To quickly dry off, the compact and The Portable Ablution Towel comes in handy. The microfiber cloth is soft to the touch making it suitable for all skin types and the fast drying process for quick and easy storage is just another added bonus!  

In conclusion, mastering the art of Wudhu is a vital aspect of Islamic practice. By understanding and adhering to the correct steps and guidelines, Muslims can ensure their ablution is performed with sincerity and precision, enhancing the spiritual benefits of their prayers and daily rituals. As we strive to perfect our Wudhu, we align ourselves closer to the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and the guidance of the Quran, enriching our faith and daily lives. Additionally, it is a massive blessing that with the growth of our ummah and the advancements in living, we have access to abundant products that help us fulfill our religious responsibilities while offering convenience.