Before offering their daily prayers (Salah), Muslims perform a ritual washing called
Wudu (Ablution).
Here's a breakdown of what Wudu typically involves:
1. Intention (Niyyah): Making the intention in your heart to perform Wudu for the purpose of prayer. This doesn't need to be spoken aloud.
2. Washing the Hands: Washing both hands up to the wrists three times, starting with the right hand.
3. Rinsing the Mouth: Rinsing the mouth three times.
4. Cleansing the Nostrils: Sniffing water into the nostrils and blowing it out three times.
5. Washing the Face: Washing the entire face from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear three times.
6. Washing the Arms: Washing both arms up to the elbows three times, starting with the right arm.
7. Wiping the Head: Wiping the entire head with wet hands once. This involves passing the wet hands from the front of the head to the nape of the neck and then back to the front.
8. Wiping the Ears: Wiping the inside and outside of the ears with wet fingers once.
9. Washing the Feet: Washing both feet up to the ankles three times, starting with the right foot. Make sure to wash between the toes.
The order of these steps is generally maintained, though some minor variations exist among different schools of thought.
Important Considerations:
* Water: Wudu is performed with clean and pure water.
* Sequence: The steps should generally be performed in the correct order.
* Completeness: Ensure each part is thoroughly washed or wiped.
* Interruptions: Avoid unnecessary talking or distractions during Wudu.
Situations Requiring Wudu:
Wudu is required before performing the obligatory prayers. It is also recommended before reading the Quran, touching the Quran, or making supplications (Du'a).
Things that Nullify Wudu (Invalidate it):
* Passing urine, stool, or wind.
* Deep sleep.
* Loss of consciousness.
* Intoxication.
* Bleeding from any part of the body.
If any of these occurs, Wudu must be performed again before praying.
In situations where water is unavailable or harmful to use (e.g., due to illness), a dry ablution called Tayammum is performed using clean earth or sand.