THE SUNNAT ACTS OF WUDHU

 

Certain acts of Wudhu are classified as Sunnat. It is necessary to execute all the Sunnat factors of Wudhu.The full Sawaab (Reward) and significance of Wudhu depends upon the proper discharge of the Sunnat acts. If the Sunnat acts are omitted the Sawaab will be lost although the Wudhu will be valid. Deliberate and continuous neglect of the Sunnat factors will be sinful.

The following are the Sunnat acts of Wudhu:

(1) Niyyat for Wudhu.

(2) Tasmiyah, i.e. reciting

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرِّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

(BISMILLA-HIR RAHMANIR-RAHIM).

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

(3) Washing both hands as far as the wrists thrice.

(4) Rinsing the mouth thrice.

(5) Applying water into the nostrils thrice.

(6) Using a Miswaak.

(7) Making Masah* of the whole head.

(8) Washing every part thrice.

(9) Masah* of the ears.

(10) Khilaal* of the fingers, toes and beard.

(11) Observing Tarteeb, i.e. to observe the order of wash-ing the various parts as will be shown in the “Method of Wudhu.”

(12) Washing the various parts in quick succession, i.e.

washing the next part before the previous part dries.

THE MUSTAHAB FACTORS OF WUDHU

 

Certain acts of Wudhu are described as Mustahab. Discharging of the Mustahab acts increases the significance and Sawaab of the Wudhu. It is therefore necessary to render all the Mustahab factors of Wudhu.

The following acts are Mustahab in Wudhu:

(1) Facing the Qiblah.

(2) Sitting while making Wudhu.

*EXPLANATORY NOTES:

(a)Masahis the act of wiping with the moist hands.

(b)Khilaalis:

(i)The act of interlacing the fingers of one hand with those of the other and then drawing them out;

(ii) Passing the fingers through the beard;

(iii) Passing a finger in between the toes.

(3) Masah of the nape (i.e. the back of the neck).

(4) Commencing to wash from the right side

THE MAKROOH FACTORS OF WUDHU

 

(1) Performing Wudhu at a place which is dirty.

(2) Induiging in worldly talks while engaged in Wudhu.

(3) Performing Wudhu in a manner which is contrary to Sunnat.

(4) Using the right hand when cleaning the nose.

(5) To use water excessively, i.e. more than what is necessary.

(6) Striking water against the face, giving rise to splashing.

(7) Unnecessarily taking assistance from another person,

i.e. another person pouring water for the one who is performing Wudhu.

THE METHOD OF WUDHU

N.B.: The person making Wudhu will be referred to asmutawad-dhi.

The mutawad-dhi should endeavour to face the qiblah while making Wudhu. It is best to sit on a raised or high place when making Wudhu in order to be out of reach of water splashing. It is far nobler and meritorious to make Wudhu by pouring water from some container, e.g. a jug. Use of a tap in Wudhu entails great waste of water, and Rasoolullah has warned against wasting water even at the river bank.

Making niyyat (intention) of Wudhu, recite

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرِّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

(BISMILLA-HIR RAHMANIR-RAHIM).

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

First of all, wash both hands as far as the wrists, thrice, beginning with the right hand.

Thereafter rinse the mouth thrice and use a Miswaak. In the absence of a Miswaak use a coarse cloth to clean the teeth. Remember that a toothbrush is not an adequate substitute for a Miswaak. However, since the use of a cloth is in the Sunnah when a Miswaak is not available, it (cloth) could be regarded as an adequate substitute. If the toothbrush is made of bristles (pig’s hairs), its use will be haraam.

If one is not fasting then gargle as well. Thereafter apply water thrice into the nostrils with the right hand and clean the nose with the little finger of the left hand. If the mutawad-dhi is fasting, water should not be drawn higher than the soft or fleshy part of the nostrils.

Wash then the entire face thrice. The limits of the face for Wudhu purpose is from the limits of the hair at the forehead until below the chin, and from ear to ear. Water must reach below the eyebrows as well. This is followed by making khilaal* of the beard.

The right hand, including the arm and elbow, should then be washed thrice. Then wash the left hand in exactly the same manner.

This is followed by making masah of the whole head; masah of the ears; masah* of the nape (i.e. back of the neck); and khilaal* of the fingers of both hands.

Thereafter, wash the right foot, including the ankles, thrice; then wash the left foot in the same way. Make khilaal of the toes.

The perfect Wudhu requires that all the Sunnat duaa be recited at the appropriate times during Wudhu and after Wudhu.

HOW TO MAKE MASAH OF THE HEAD, EARS AND NAPE

Masah of the Head

Masah of the head, ears and nape during Wudhu is made with the moist hands.

Masah of the head will start by placing the fingers — three fingers of each hand, i.e. the three fingers from the little finger—at the front of the head immediately above the forehead. The thumbs and forefingers will be held separated from the head. The rest of the palms (i.e. besides these six fingers) will be held away from the head.

Now draw these six fingers backward in a straight line over the head until the back of the neck is reached.

Now close the palms onto the head at the back where the finger-masah stopped. Draw the palms forward to the front of the head. In drawing the palms forward, do not let the six fingers (previously used) touch the head. The Masah of the head is now complete.

MASAH OF THE EARS

 

Immediately after completing the Masah of the head make Masah of the interior of the ears with the forefingers.

Place the forefingers at the entrance of the ear-holes and rotate over the whole interior area of the ear.

With the thumbs make the Masah of the external surface of the ears by passing the thumbs over the back of the ears, starting from the bottom, i.e. the back of the ear-lobes. The Masah of the ears is now complete.

MASAH OF THE NAPE

 

Immediately after completing the Masah of the ears, Masah of the nape has to be made (i.e. Masah of only the back of the neck is made).

Use the back of the six fingers (i.e. the six fingers used when starting the Masah of the head) for making Masah of the back of the neck.

First pass the back of the three right-hand fingers over the right-hand side of the neck, then pass the back of the three lefthand fingers over the left side of the neck. Masah of the nape is now complete. 

KHILAAL

 

KhilaaI of the Fingers

Immediately after washing both arms, Khilaal of the fingers has to he made.

Draw the left-hand fingers through the right-hand fingers over the back of the hand. Thereafter do likewise with the right-hand fingers. This completes the Khilaal of the fingers.

Khilaal of the Toes

Khilaal of the toes will be made after the feet have been washed.

Pass the little finger of the left hand in between the toes of both feet, starting from the little toe of the right foot and ending with the little toe of the left foot. The Khilaal of the toes is now complete.

Khilaal of the Beard

Khilaal of the beard has to be made after washing the face.

Pass the fingers of the right hand through the beard, starting from the bottom of the beard, moving upwards.

THE AADAAB OF WUDHU

Aadaab means etiquette or respects. Certain etiquettes should be observed for the purpose of Wudhu in order to improve the quality and significance of the Wudhu. Since the Wudhu is an lbaadat which washes away sins as well, it is necessary that it should be discharged, in a beautiful manner. The perfect Wudhu is the Wudhu in which the Aadaab have been observed.

THE AADAAB

(a) To make preparations, for Wudhu prior to the entry of the Salaat time.

(b) Sitting on a raised place while making Wudhu.

(c) Refrain from indulging in worldly talk while making Wudhu.

(d) Reciting the Sunnat Duaas during Wudhu. (These will be explained later).

(e) Reciting Kalimah Shahaadat when washing each part.

(f) Blowing the nose.

(g) To gargle the mouth.

(h) Rotating the ring if it is loose-fitting.

(N.B. If it fits tightly then it is Waajib to rotate it to enable water to moisten the surface of the finger under the ring).

(i) Water must not be wasted.

(j) To stand up and drink the water remaining after Wudhu has been made. (This is possible only if an utensil is used from which water is poured for Wudhu).

(K) To make two Rakaats Tahyatul Wudhu immediately after Wudhu.

(N.B.: This Salaat should not be made during Makrooh times).

MISCELLANEOUS MASAA-IL PERTAINING TO WUDHU

 

(1) If blood or matter remains within uhe confines of the wound or sore, Wudhu will not be nullified. Wudhu will only break if the impurity flows out of the wound or sore.

(2) If dots of blood come out of the nose while blowing it, Wudhu is not nullified. Wudhu will break only if the blood is in the fluid state.

(3) A pimple within the eye discharging fluid will break Wudhu if the fluid flowed out of the eye.

(4) If the blood content in the saliva is dominant then Wudhu will break. Therefore, if one’s saliva is reddish because of blood, the Wu’dhu will-be nullified.

(5) The blood appearing on a toothpick will not nullify Wudhu if the effect of the blood is not noticeable in the saliva.

(6) Fluid flowing from paining ear will nullify Wudhu even if there is no sore or pimple in the ear.

(7) Water flowing from the eyes as a result of the eyes paining will nullify Wudhu.

(8) If males fall asleep in the position of Sajdah, but do not topple over, Wudhu is not broken. However, if females fall asleep in the position of Sajdah, Wudhu will break.

(9) A doubt will not nullify Wudhu. One remembers that Wudhu was made, but cannot remember if the Wudhu was broken. In such a case of doubt the Wudhu will be considered valid.

(10) While making Wudhu one doubts whether a certain part was washed. In this case the particular part should be washed. However, if such doubt occurs after completion of Wudhu, it will then be regarded that the Wudhu is complete. No notice of the doubt should then be taken.

(11) If after Wudhu one remembers well that a certain part was not washed or Masah of the head was not made, then the omitted act should be rendered. There is no need to repeat the whole Wudhu.

(12) It is not permissible to touch without Wudhu a tray, plate, etc., on which a verse of the Qur’aan is engraved or written.

(13) It is preferable (Mustahab) to make Wudhu for each Salaat even though one may be in the state of Wudhu. Taking a fresh Wudhu is recommended only if at least two Rakaats Salaat have been performed with the Wudhu. Hence, if after Wudhu has been taken one did not perform any Salaat, it will not be permissible to take a fresh Wudhu before that Wudhu has been either broken or at least two Rakaats Salaat have been performed.

(14) One will be in the state of Wudhu if at least the Faraa-idh of Wudhu have been fulfilled even if all the Sunnat and Mustahab factors have been omitted. However, the Sunnat and Mustahab factors should not be omitted without valid reason.

(15) If one was drenched in the rain and the Faraa-idh of Wudhu were discharged in the rain water, the Wudhu will be valid even if one had no intention of making Wudhu.

(16) If the four parts (Fardh parts) of the body have been washed, e.g. by swimming or taking a bath, Wudhu will be valid even if one had no intention of Wudhu.

(17) There is no need for Wudhu after a bath (Ghusl) has been taken.

(18) While making Wudhu one should take care not to strike the water against the face causing it to splash. To do so is Makrooh.

(19) While making Wudhu the eyes should not be closed so tightly thus preventing water from moistening the eye-lashes or blocking the entry of water int the eye- wells. To do so is Makrooh Tahrimi. If even one eyelash remains dry or water has not entered the eye-wells, the Wudhu will not be valid.

(20) The mouth should not be closed tightly while making Wudhu. To do so is Makrooh Tahrimi. If any part of the lips remain dry, the Wudhu will not be valid.

(21) If any substance which does not allow water to seep through, e.g. gum, paint, cutex (a substance usually applied by women on their finger-nails), etc., sticks on any part of the body which has to be cornpulsorily washed during Wudhu, the Wudhu will not be valid as long as the substance is not removed and the portion thereunder washed. Hence, if after Wudhu one realises that some gum is on the finger-nail (for example), then the Wudhu will be valid only if the gum is removed and the nail washed. There is no need to renew the Wudhu.

(22) If removal of the ointment from sore or wound is harmful then it will not be necessary to remove it. Water may merely be passed over it. If pouring water over the affected part is also harmful then merely make Masah of the affected part. If even Masah will be harmful then omit the affected part.

(23) If the wound or sore is bandaged and one will experience difficulty in opening and tying the bandage for Masah purpose, or Masah on the affected part will be harmful, then Masah should be made over the bandage. If this difficulty does not exist, then it will be necessary to open the bandage, plaster, etc., and make Masah on the affected part.

(24) It is best to make Masah over the whole of the upper surface of the bandage, etc. It is Waajib to make Masah of more than half the bandage, plaster, etc. If only half or less than half the bandage was covered by the Masah, the Wudhu will not be valid.

(25) If after making Masah the bandage, plaster, etc., comes loose and it is realised that the affected part has healed, then the Masah made will not be valid. It will now be necessary to wash the particular part. It is not necessary to renew the Wudhu.

MORE MASAA-IL REGARDING WUDHU

(1)THE BEARD

If the beard is thick then it is not fardh for the water to reach the skin under it during Wudhu. If the beard grows sparsely so that the skin under it can be seen, then it is fardh for the water to reach the skin as well.

(2)DOUBT

A doubt will not invalidate Wudhu. If one is certain that one has made Wudhu, but doubts regarding the breaking of Wudhu, then such doubt will not break Wudhu. The Wudhu will be considered valid.

(3)LONG FINGER-NAILS

Nowadays it is considered fashionable for women to keep long finger-nails. Dirt accumulates under such long nails and obstructs the moistening of the parts covered by the dirt. Besides such long nails and dirt- accumulation being contrary to Islamic hygiene and tahaarat rules, Wudhu and Ghusl will not be valid if the dirt is of a nature — non-porous — which does not permit water to seep through.

MASNUN DUAAS OF WUDHU

 

Regarding Wudhu, our Nabi (sallallahu alahy wasallam) said:

“Wudhu is the weapon of the Believer.”

Since Wudhu is the “weapon” of the Mu’min, it is essential that we maintain this “weapon” in good order. By observing the various Masnun duaa of Wudhu, we will in fact be beautifying and strengthening this “weapon” of Wudhu. An effort should therefore be made to learn the relevant duaa of Wudhu. These duaa are all brief and simple to commit to memory. These duaa are as follows:

WHEN COMMENCING WUDHU

اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّٓىْ اَعُوْ ذُبِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِيْنِ وَاَعُوْذُبِكَ رَبِّ اَنْ يَّحْضُرُوْنَ

ALLAHUMMA INNEE A-OOTHU-BIKA MIN HAMA ZAA-TISH-SHAYAA-TINE WA A-OOTHU-BIKA RABBE AY-YAH DHUROON.

O Allah! Verily, I seek refuge with You from the mischief of shayaateen and, I seek Your protection from the shayaateen gathering in my proximity.

WHILE WASHING THE HANDS

اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّٓى اَسْئَلُكَ الْيُمْنَ وَالْبَرْكَتَ وَاَعُوْذُبِكَ مِنَ الشُّوْمِ وَالْهَلاَكَتِ

ALLAHUMMA INNEE AS-ALU-KAL-YUMNA WALBAR-KATA WA A-OOZU-BIKA MINASH-SHOOME WAL-HALAA-KAH.

O Allah! I ask You for virtue and barakat. And, I seek protection with You from misfortune and destruction.

AT THE TIME OF RINSING THE MOUTH

اَللّٰهُمَّ اَعِنّىِ عَلٰ تِلَاوَةِكِتاَبِكَ وَكَثْرَةِ الذِّكْرِلَكَ وَالشُّكْرِلَكَ

ALLAHUMMA A-INNEE ALAA TILAA-WATE KITAA-BIKA WA KATH-RATI-THIKRE LAKA WASH-SHUKRE LAK.

O Allah! Assist me in the recitation of Your Kitaab (Qur’aan), and in abundance of Your Zikr, and in fulfilling Your Shukr.

AT THE TIME OF POURING WATER INTO THE NOSTRILS

اَللّٰهُمَّ اَرِحْنِىْ رِائِحَتَ الْجَنَّةِ وَاَنْتَ عَنِّى رَاضٍ

ALLAHUMMA ARIH-NEE RAA-I-HATAL-JANNATE WA ANTA AN-NEE RAA-DH.

O Allah! Grant me comfort with the fragrance of Jan nat while You are pleased with me.

AT THE TIME OF BLOWING THE NOSE

اَللّٰهُمَّ اَعُوْ ذُبِكَ مِنْ رَّوَايْحِ النَّارِوَمِنْ سُوْءِالدَّارِ

ALLAHUMMA A-OOTHU-BIKA MIR-RAWAA- I-HIN- NAARE WA MIN SOO-ID-DAAR.

O Allah! I seek refuge with You from the scorching winds of the Fire and from the Evil Abode.

WHILE WASHING THE FACE

اَللّٰهُمَّ بَيِّضْ وَجْهِىْ يَوْمَ تَبْيَضُّ وُجُوْﻩُ اَوْلِيَائِكَوَلاَ تُسَوِّدْ وَخْهِىْ يَوْمَ تَسْوَدُّوُخُوْﻩُاَعْدَائِكَ

ALLAHUMMA BAY-YIDH WAJ-HEE YAU-MA TAB-YADH-DHU WUJOO-HU AU-LIYAA-IKA WA LA TU-SAW-WID WAJ-HEE YAU-MA TAS-WADDU WUJOO-HU A’DAA-IK.

O Allah! Brighten my face on the day when the faces of Your friends will glitter. And, do not blacken my face on the day when the faces of Your enemies will blacken.

WHEN WASHING THE RIGHT HAND

اَللّٰهُمَّ اَعْطِنِىْ كِتَابِىْ بِيَمِيْنِىْ وِ حَاسِبْنِىْ حِسَابًايَّسِيْراً

ALLAHUMMA A’TlNEE KITAABEE BE-YA-MEENEE WA HAA-SIBNEE HISAA-BAY-YASEERA.

O Allah! Give my Record of Deeds in my right hand and take from me an easy reckoning.

WHEN WASHING THE LEFT HAND

اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّٓىْ اَعُوْذُبِكَ اَنْ تُعْطِيَنِىْ كِتَابِىْ بِشِمَالِيْ اَوْمِنْوَّرَاءِظَهْرِىْ

ALLA HUMMA INNEE A-OOTHU-BIKA AN TU’ TIYANEE KITAABEE BI-SHIMAALEE AU MIWWARAA-E THAH-REE.

O Allah! I seek refuge with You from Your giving my Record of Deeds in my left hand or from behind my back.

AT THE TIME OF MASAH OF THE HEAD

اَللّٰهُمَّ اَظِلِّنِىْ تَحْتَ ظِلِّ عَرْشِكَ يَوْمَ لاَظِلَّ اِلاَّظِلَّ عَرْشِكَ

ALLAHUMMA ATHIL-LINEE TAH-TA ThILLE ARSHIKA YAU-MA LAA THILLA IL-LAA THILLA ARSHIK.

O Allah! Grant me shade under the Shade of Your Throne on the day when there will be no shade except the Shade of Your Throne.

WHEN MAKING MASAH OF THE EARS

اَللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِىْ مِنْ الَّذِيْنَ يَسْتَمِعُوْنَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُوْنَ اَحْسَنَهُ اَللّٰهُمَّ اَسْمِعْنِىْ مُنَادِىَ ااْجَنَّةِمَعَ الْاَبْرَاْرِ

ALLAHUMMAJ-ALNEE MINAL-LATHEENA YASTA -Ml-OO-NAL-QAULA FAYAT-TABI-OONA AHSANA-HU.

ALLAHUMMA ASMI’-NEE MUNADI-YAL-JANNATE MA-AL-ABRAAR.

O Allah! Make me among those who listen and follow beautiful talks. O Allah! Let me hear the caller of Jannat while I am

in the company of the pious.

WHEN MAKING MASAH OF THE NECK

اَللّٰهُمَّ فُكَّ رَ قَبَتِىْ مِنَ النَّارِوَاَعُوْذُبِكَ مِنَ السَّلاَسِلِ وَالْاَغْلاَلِ

ALLAHUMMA FUK-KA RAQA-BATEE MINANNAARE WA A-OOTHU-BIKA MINAS-SALAASILE WAL AGH-LAAL.

O Allah! Save my neck from the fire. And, I seek refuge with You from chains and leg-irons.

WHEN WASHING THE RIGHT FOOT

اَللّٰهُمَّ ثَبِتْ قَدَمَىَّ عَلٰى صِرَاطِكَ الْمُسْتَقِيْمِ

ALLAHUMMA THAB-BIT QADA-MAY-YA ALAA SIRAATIKAL MUSTAQEEM.