How to Perform Ablution?

Ablution is an integral part of prayer. But do you know the exact process of performing ablution? Sometimes, we inadvertently make mistakes. Here is a complete guide on how to perform ablution.

What is Wudu?

Wudu (ablution) in Islam is an act of purification before performing the prayer or any other worship. Cleanliness is half in Islam. Hence, Muslims purify themselves before they bow in front of their Creator.

Ablution Steps

● Intention to Make Ablution

Intention is fundamental in Islam. Before you perform ablution, you must make an intention to purify yourself. There is no need to say it aloud, for Allah knows what is in our hearts. Start the ablution by saying Bismillah, as it is a sunnah.

● Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands thoroughly thrice, removing any dust and impurity. Every time you perform a step, recite the first kalma thrice. First wash the right hand, then the left hand.

● Rinse Your Mouth

Then rinse your mouth thrice, moving the water in the mouth thoroughly. The objective is to cleanse the mouth of any food particles. Use your right hand for this step.

● Wash Your Nose

Use your left hand to clean the nose by taking in some water and then sniff it out. Perform this act thrice. This step clears the nasal passage.

● Wash Your Face

Now wash your face thrice, wetting every corner of your face from forehead to chin and both the ears.

● Wash Your Arms

Wash your right arm first, beginning with the fingers up to the elbow. Make sure water reaches between your fingers, too. Repeat this step thrice. Do the same for the left arm.

● Perform Massah

Massah is the wiping of the head. Wet your hands and then wipe your head, starting from the forehead and covering the entire head. Wipe your neck as well. Perform this step just once.

● Wipe Your Ears

Use your wet fingers to wipe the back of your ears. Use your index fingers to wipe the inside of your ears. Perform this step once.

● Wash Your Feet

This is the last step of performing ablution. Wash your right foot thoroughly first. Use your fingers to remove any impurities. Make sure water reaches between the toes. Repeat this step thrice. Do the same for the left foot.

● Prayer For Wudu

After performing ablution, recite the kalma-e-Shahadah.

“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.”

Here is the supplication for performing Wudu.

“Allahumma aj‘alni min al-tawwabeen wa aj‘alni min al-mutatahhireen.

“O Allah, make me among those who repent and purify themselves.”

Significance of Performing Ablution

Performing ablution five times a day at least protects a person from germs and illnesses. The different steps help to regulate blood circulation and blood pressure. It also helps in maintaining oral hygiene. It helps in developing a healthy and active lifestyle. It also makes a person spiritually clean, protecting him from satan. Such a person stays away from impure thoughts and acts. When a person performs ablution intending to purify, Allah blesses him with a clean soul and heart. Moreover, there is a huge reward for performing ablution. Hence, it is a simple but powerful way to earn rewards and protect oneself from physical and spiritual impurities.

Things That Invalidate Wudu

The following things invalidate ablution. Therefore, if any of these happen, perform the wudu again.

• Pass urine, stool, or wind.
• Sleep
• Losing consciousness
• Touching bare private parts

Important Points to Note

Sometimes, we ignore the importance of certain steps or rituals. However, we must perform wudu with utmost dedication to attain Allah’s pleasure. Here are some essential points to note.

• Perform wudu to purify. Not making the intention may not let you reap the full benefits.
• Do not be hasty in performing ablution. Perform each step carefully without missing any part.
• Sometimes, people ignore parts such as washing between fingers and toes. Make sure you properly clean every part.
• Massah is an important step of ablution, without which it will not be complete.

Lastly

This is all about how to perform ablution. Ablution is one of the most favorite acts of Allah. Allah loves those who want to purify themselves. Hence, ablution brings a person closer to Allah. It protects him from evil. It also protects a person from illnesses. Therefore, perform ablution and achieve physical and spiritual purity.