How to do Wudu in Islam | Both Shia And Sunni
Wudu, also known as ablution, is an essential ritual in Islam that involves washing certain body parts before praying or reciting the Quran. This act of purification is essential for Muslims as it cleanses them of impurities and prepares them for prayer.
This article will discuss How to do Wudu in Islam with references to Quranic verses and ahadees related to wudu and the Shia and Sunni ways of performing it.
Quranic Verses about Wudu
The Quran mentions the importance of cleanliness and purification in several verses. One of the most famous verses related to wudu is Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:6, which states:
” Wash your face, forearms, heads, and feet before praying, all the way down to your ankles. In the case of janabah, you must purify yourself. On the other hand, if you are sick, traveling, urinating, or coming into contact with a woman without water, seek clean earth and wipe your face and hands with it. In Allah’s plan, He will not cause you trouble, but He will purify you so you will be grateful.”
This verse outlines the basic requirements for wudu, including washing the face, and arms up to the elbows, wiping the head and washing the feet up to the ankles. It also provides an alternative for those who cannot find water: wipe over their faces and hands with clean earth.
Another verse that emphasizes the importance of cleanliness is (Surah Al-Baqarah )which states:
“Allah is pleased with those who continually repent and purify themselves.”
This verse highlights the connection between purification and repentance and encourages Muslims to maintain physical and spiritual cleanliness.
Ahadees about Wudu
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated the proper way of performing wudu, and his actions and words have been recorded in ahadees. Here are a few aha does that guide wudu:
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Zaid (R.A), the Prophet (S.A.W) said:
” Praying is the key to Paradise, which requires purification (wudu).”
This hadith emphasizes the importance of wudu in Islam and its significance in preparing oneself for prayer.
Wudu Removes the Sins
Narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab (R.A), the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever performs wudu perfectly, his sins will depart from his body, even under his nails.“
This hadith emphasizes the spiritual benefits of wudu and the importance of performing it with sincerity and mindfulness.
A Cheerful Narration By Hazrat Abu Huraira
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (R.A), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“When a Muslim or a believer performs wudu, every sin he committed with his eyes is washed away from his face along with the water; when he washes his hands during wudu with his hands, every sin he committed with his hands is washed away with the water, and when he performs wudu with his feet, every sin his feet committed is washed away with the water. After wudu, he is free of sins.
This hadith further emphasizes the spiritual benefits of wudu and the importance of performing it with sincerity and mindfulness.
How to do Wudu in Islam
Sunni Way of Performing Wudu
The Sunni way of performing wudu follows the basic requirements outlined in the Quran.
The Sunni way of performing wudu involves the following steps:
Intention (niyyah)
The first step in performing wudu is to intend to perform it for the sake of Allah.
Saying, Bismillah
Next, the person says “Bismillah” (in the name of Allah) before beginning the wudu.
Washing the hands
The person begins by washing their hands three times, starting with the right hand, then the left.
Rinsing the mouth
The person then rinses their mouth three times with water.
Cleaning the nostrils
Next, the person cleans their nostrils by sniffing water into them and then blowing it out three times.
Washing the face
The person washes their face three times from hairline to chin and from ear to ear.
Washing the arms
The person then washes their arms up to the elbows, starting with the right arm and then the left, three times.
Wiping the head
The person then wipes their head with wet hands once, starting from the front hairline to the back of the head and back to the front.
Washing the feet
Finally, the person washes their feet up to the ankles, starting with the right foot and then the left, three times.
The Shia Way of Performing Wudu
The Shia way of performing wudu is similar to the Sunni way, but there are some differences in how certain parts are washed. The steps are as follows:
Intention (niyyah): The person intends to perform wudu for the sake of Allah.
Saying Bismillah: The person says “Bismillah” before beginning the wudu.
Washing the face: The person washes their face three times, from the hairline to the chin and ear to ear.
Washing the arms: The person washes their arms up to the elbows, starting with the right arm and then the left, three times.
Wiping the head: Starting from the front hairline and moving backward, the person wipes the head with wet hands once.
Washing the feet: The person washes their feet up to the ankles, starting with the right foot and then the left, three times.
Cleaning the nostrils: The person cleans their nostrils by sniffing water and blowing it out three times.
Washing the hands: Finally, the person washes their hands three times, starting with the right hand, then the left.
Differences Between Sunni and Shia Wudu
The difference between the Sunni and Shia ways of performing wudu is the order of the steps and how certain parts are washed.
For example, in the Sunni way, the hands are washed at the beginning, whereas in the Shia way, they are washed at the end. Additionally, in the Sunni way, the mouth and nostrils are cleaned before the face is washed, while in the Shia way, the face is washed before the mouth and nostrils.
Another difference is in the way the head is wiped. In the Sunni way, the head is wiped only once, while in the Shia way, it is wiped three times.
Acts That break the state of wudu
In Islam, certain acts invalidate or break the state of wudu, which means that a person needs to perform wudu again to pray. For example, the following are the acts that finish wudu:
Urinating or defecating
Whenever a person urinates or defecates, their wudu is broken, and they need to perform it again before they can pray.
Passing gas
If a person passes gas, their wudu is broken, and they must perform it again.
Sleep
Whenever a person falls asleep, their wudu is broken, and they need to perform it again before they can pray.
Loss of consciousness
If a person loses consciousness, their wudu is broken, and they must perform it again.
Important Note
It is important to note that touching a member of the opposite sex does not invalidate wudu unless it leads to sexual arousal or discharge.
How to Perform Wudu without Water?
Tayammum is a dry ablution that can be performed when water is unavailable, or its use is impossible. It is done by striking the hands-on clean earth or any other clean surface and then wiping the face and hands with dust or sand.
The process of tayammum
- Make the intention to perform tayammum.
- Strike the hands-on clean earth or surface.
- Blow off the excess dust or sand from the hands.
- Wipe the face with the palms of your hands.
Wipe the back of the right hand with the left palm, then wipe the back of the left hand with the right palm.
Using clean earth or dust
If people cannot perform tayammum, they can use clean earth or dust to cleanse themselves.
Using clean sand
Clean sand or powder can perform wudu if clean earth or dust is unavailable. The process is the same as using clean earth or dust, i.e., rubbing the sand or powder on the hands, face, and arms.
FAQS
Can touching an animal breaks wudu?
Similarly, touching an animal or non-Muslim does not invalidate wudu unless the person’s hand comes into contact with filth or impurities.
What to do If a person is unsure whether their wudu is valid?
Muslims must maintain the state of wudu as it is necessary for the validity of prayer. If a person is unsure whether their wudu is still valid, they should perform it again to be safe.
Can I brush my teeth before wudu?
Yes, it is permissible to brush your teeth before wudu.
Can you drink water after wudu?
Yes, we can drink or eat after wudu. It doesn’t break it.
Can I wipe after wudu?
The water of Wudhu can be wiped off, but it is recommended to let it dry on its own.
Does burping break wudu?
You can burp to release gas and keep your wudu. Burping doesn’t invalidate wudu.
What to say after finishing wudu?
“Ashhadu an la ilaha ill-allah wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.
Allah And his Messenger know the best.
