Versus From The Quran-Salah:11

Ablution

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Wudu and Its Steps: Wudu involves specific actions including washing the face, arms up to the elbows, wiping the head, and washing the feet to the ankles as a purification process before prayers.

2. Significance and Benefits of Wudu: Beyond physical cleanliness, Wudu serves as spiritual purification, preparing the mind and soul for prayer and worship, highlighting its importance in maintaining both physical and spiritual purity.

3. Practical Aspects of Wudu: Covers essential practices such as performing Wudu with a bandage, the validity of Wudu with makeup, and the permissibility of Tayammum as an alternative when water is unavailable.

(Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:6) outlines the steps for ablution (wudu) and the process of dry ablution (tayammum) when water is not available. Let's break down the key points:

1. Ablution (Wudu):

   • [5:6] "O you who believe, when you observe the Prayers (Salah), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles."
   • The verse specifies the steps for ablution before the Prayers (Salah): washing the face, washing the arms up to the elbows, wiping the head, and washing the feet up to the ankles. This purification process is a prerequisite for performing the prayer.
   • For guidance on performing ablution before Salat, refer to Al-Hiqma's "The Beginner's Book of Solat" for detailed instructions and illustrations.

2. Bathing in Specific Circumstances:

   • [5:6] "If you were unclean due to sexual orgasm, you shall bathe."
   • A bath is required in the case of ritual impurity caused by sexual activity. This emphasizes the importance of physical and ritual cleanliness before engaging in worship.

3. Dry Ablution (Tayammum):

   • [5:6] "If you are ill, or traveling, or had any digestive excretion (urinary, fecal, or gas), or had (sexual) contact with the women, and you cannot find water, you shall observe the dry ablution (Tayammum) by touching clean dry soil, then rubbing your faces and hands."
   • The verse provides an alternative purification method, known as tayammum, for situations where water is not available or its use may be harmful. It involves touching clean dry soil and then rubbing the face and hands.
   • Learn more about the flexibility of Islamic practices, including Tayammum, through Al-Hiqma's insightful blog post on Surat Al-Ma'idah 5:6

4. Ease in Religious Practices:

   • [5:6] "GOD does not wish to make the religion difficult for you; He wishes to cleanse you and to perfect His blessing upon you, that you may be appreciative."
   • This statement emphasizes the principle of ease in religious practices. God does not intend to burden believers but rather wishes to facilitate the means of purification and to perfect His blessings upon them.

The verse underscores the importance of cleanliness and purification in the practice of Islam, while also acknowledging the flexibility provided in specific situations to ensure that religious obligations are achievable under various circumstances.

Read the previous blog on Versus From The Quran-Salah:10

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can Wudu be performed with a bandage?

A: Yes, if you cannot remove the cast or bandage, perform regular ablution and simply wipe a wet hand over the bandaged area instead of washing it.

Q: Is Wudu valid with makeup?

A: Wudu is valid with makeup if the makeup is pure and does not prevent water from reaching the skin. It's essential to remove waterproof makeup before performing Wudu.

Q: What are the Sunnahs of Wudu?

A: The Sunnahs include actions such as making Niyyah (intention), saying Bismillah before starting, washing both hands up to the wrists thrice, using Miswak, and ensuring each part is washed in order, among others.

Q: Is it allowed to do Tayammum to conserve water?

A: Tayammum is only permissible when water is unreachable, unavailable, or its use is harmful to health. It is not allowed solely to conserve water if it is accessible.

Q: Which Dua is recited before and after Wudu?

A: Before starting Wudu, say "Bismillah" (In the Name of Allah). After completing Wudu, recite the Shahadah to affirm faith and completion of the purification process.