Wudu (Ablution)

Q 1:   What is “Wudu” (ablution)?

A. To wash the face from the forelock down to the lower portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other to wash hands upto the elbows and the feet upto ankles and passing wet fingers of both the hands over the head is called ”Wudu” (ablution). It is forbidden to offer prayer without ablution.

Q 2: What is the method of performing Wudu?

A. Sit at a clean elevated place facing the Qibla to perform ablution and then recite “Bismil Laa-hir Rahmaa-nir Raheem” (Allah, in the name of, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful) with the intention of gaining reward and carrying out the command of Allah Almighty; wash both hands upto the wrists and then apply ”Miswaak” (soft tooth stick) to the teeth if available otherwise rub the teeth with the forefinger; rinse the mouth thoroughly thrice and also gargle if not observing   fast; sniff up water into the nostrils with the right hand three times ensuring that the water reaches the soft spot of the nose and wash the nose with the left hand; wash the face well thrice in such a way that no spot from the forelock down to the lower portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other remains dry (the water should flow on each spot of the face); wash both the hands (first right hand and then the left) upto, inclusive of the elbows three times (no spot even nails should remain dry); do ”Masah” of the head ears and neck with wet hands only once and then wash the feet (first the right foot and then the left) inclusive of the ankles thrice.

Q 3: How to do Masah?

A. Having the hands wet with fresh water join three fingers (excluding the forefingers and thumbs) of both the hands and pass them over the head from the forelock upto the nape of the neck and then bring them back similarly to the forehead; (the palms should not touch the head); wipe the inner sides of the ears with the tips of forefingers and wipe the outsides of the ears with the insides of the thumbs and the neck be wiped with the back of the fingers. It is undesirable to do Masah of the throat.

Q 4: What should be recited after Wudu?

A. Having performed Wudu recite: “Allaa-hummaj ‘Alnee Minat-tawwaabeena waj’alnee Minal Mutatah-hareen” (O’ Allah! make me of those who have repented and make me of those who have been purified by You). Drink a little of the rest of ablution’s water (standing upright). Recite Kalimah-e-shahaadat raising index finger towards and looking to the sky and also recite Surah Al-Qadr which will earn the believer a great reward.