What are the Pillars and Obligations of Wudu?
The pillars of Wudu consist of six essential components, as outlined below:
- Intention (Niyyah), which resides in the heart.
- Washing the face from the hairline to the chin and from the right earlobe to the left earlobe.
- Washing the hands up to the elbows.
- Wiping over the head.
- Washing the feet, including the ankles.
- Maintaining the proper sequence among the Wudu actions.
What are the Sunnahs of Wudu?
There are numerous Sunnahs associated with Wudu, which include:
- Reciting the Basmala (saying “In the name of Allah”) when beginning Wudu.
- Washing the hands up to the wrists three times.
- Performing rinsing of the mouth (Mouthwash).
- Performing inhalation and exhalation through the nose.
- Wiping the ears.
- Washing each part three times, although the obligatory action is to wash it once.
- Rubbing the dense beard with water.
- Intertwining the fingers of both hands and feet.
- Using a miswak (tooth stick).
- Avoiding wastage of water.
- Extending the washing beyond the obligatory areas for the face, hands, and feet.
- After completing Wudu, stating: “I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O Allah, make me among those who repent and among those who purify themselves,” along with other prescribed supplications.
- Performing two Rak’ahs of prayer after completing Wudu.
What Nullifies Wudu?
There are eight actions that can nullify Wudu, some of which are unanimously agreed upon while others are subject to differing opinions, as follows:
- Anything that exits from the two private parts, whether little or much, including urine, feces, gas, etc.
- The loss of sanity due to insanity or fainting.
- Deep sleep.
- Touching the private parts without a barrier.
- Handling a deceased body, recognized by the Hanbali school, while the Hanafi school recommends reinitiating Wudu.
- Significant bleeding, pus, or vomiting, as mentioned by both the Hanafi and Hanbali schools.
- Apostasy from Islam.
When is Wudu Required?
Wudu is a prerequisite for certain actions, and it becomes obligatory for the following:
- Performing prayers, whether obligatory or voluntary, including prostration of recitation according to some scholars.
- Circumambulation of the Kaaba, regardless of whether it is obligatory or voluntary.
- Touching or carrying the Quran.
When is Wudu Recommended?
It is recommended to perform Wudu in the following situations:
- While reading the Quran without touching the physical text and during the remembrance of Allah.
- Before each prayer if one’s Wudu is still valid, as it is encouraged to renew Wudu before every prayer time.
- If a person in a state of major impurity intends to have sexual relations again, it is preferred for them to perform Wudu between encounters.
- If a person in a state of major impurity plans to eat, drink, or sleep, Wudu is advisable.
- Prior to performing Ghusl (ritual purification) from major impurity, it is preferable to make Wudu first.
- Before sleeping, as it is recommended for Muslims to perform Wudu before sleep to ensure purity, a practice endorsed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) among his companions.
What is the Ruling on Reciting the Quran and Touching the Mus’haf Without Wudu?
The majority of scholars, including the four major Sunni schools, hold that it is prohibited to touch the Mus’haf when in a state of minor impurity (i.e., for those who are not in Wudu), based on the Quranic verse: “None shall touch it except the purified.” Conversely, reading the Quran without holding the Mus’haf while in a state of minor impurity is permissible by consensus among scholars, although performing Wudu is preferred to honor the words of Allah.