Chapter 1: Ablution (Wudu)

Introduction

Allah, the Most High, says:

"O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles." (Al-Ma'idah: 6)

The obligation of purification is established in this verse, which mandates the washing of three limbs and the wiping of the head. Washing refers to flowing water over a body part, while wiping entails moistening the surface. The face extends from the hairline to the lower chin and from one earlobe to the other, as this constitutes the area facing forward. The elbows and ankles are included in washing according to our school of thought, though there is a dissenting opinion by Imam Zufar, who argues that a limit does not include the object being limited, as in the case of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Obligatory Acts of Ablution

  1. Washing the face
  2. Washing the hands up to the elbows
  3. Wiping a portion of the head
  4. Washing the feet up to the ankles

The required amount of wiping the head is a quarter of it, as narrated by Al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah:

"The Prophet (ﷺ) performed ablution and wiped over the front part of his head and his leather socks." (Bukhari & Muslim)

This serves as evidence against Imam Shafi'i, who stipulates wiping three hairs, and Imam Malik, who requires complete wiping.

Sunnah Acts of Ablution

  1. Washing the hands before inserting them into the water container – The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

    "When one of you wakes from sleep, let him not dip his hand into a container until he washes it three times, for he does not know where his hand spent the night." (Muslim)

  2. Reciting the name of Allah before starting ablution – The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

    "There is no valid ablution for the one who does not mention the name of Allah." (Tirmidhi)

  3. Using the Siwak (tooth-stick) – The Prophet (ﷺ) consistently used it and advised its use, and in its absence, one may use a finger.

  4. Rinsing the mouth and inhaling water into the nose – The Prophet (ﷺ) performed these actions habitually in his ablution.

  5. Wiping the ears – This is to be done using the same water used for the head, as narrated by the Prophet (ﷺ):

    "The ears are part of the head." (Abu Dawood)

  6. Running fingers through the beard – Angel Jibreel (AS) instructed the Prophet (ﷺ) to do so. It is considered a Sunnah by Abu Yusuf, while Abu Hanifa and Muhammad deem it permissible but not necessary.