Wudu, or ablution, is a traditional Muslim ritual, but also a practical method for maintaining good physical and spiritual hygiene. Traditionally, the term Wudu indicates the mental preparation for Salat (prayer), one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Steps
Step 1. Begin by saying the formula declaring the intention (niyyah) to proceed with ablution
- Niyyah is the Islamic concept of performing an action for the love of Allah. To perform Wudu correctly, you should focus on yourself, silence your thoughts and dedicate body and soul to what you are doing.
- Niyyah does not necessarily involve pronouncing words aloud, just focus on the phrase "Bismillah" (in the name of Allah). Say these words aloud or silently with your mind, as you see fit.
Step 2. Wash your hands
Use your left hand to wash your right. Do it three times. Then use the right to wash the left, again three times. Make sure you wash well between your fingers and reach up to your wrists.
Step 3. Put some water in your mouth
Use your right cupped hand to put water in your mouth three times. Rinse it off and gargle. It is used to eliminate any food residue.
Step 4. Inhale some water through your nose
Cupped water into your nose three times with your right hand. You can use your left hand to close one nostril and blow if you need to. Inhale the water quickly and violently but don't overdo it, you don't have to choke.
Make sure you can use the water safely to perform this ritual; in some warmer-climate areas of the world, the water may contain Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that, if inhaled through the nostrils, can cause a rare but usually fatal brain infection. Drinking water could also be contaminated (usually in third world countries and developing countries); to avoid this disease, boil the water for one minute (up to three, depending on the altitude) and let it cool before using it to rinse your nose
Step 5. Wash your face
Wash it three times by rubbing it with your hands across its entire width, from ear to ear and from chin to root of hair.
Step 6. Wash your forearms from wrist to elbow and don't leave dry areas
Use your right hand to wash your left forearm and vice versa, do it three times.
If you have your arm in a cast, simply wiping a cloth is allowed
Step 7. Wash your head
With wet hands, rub your forehead from the eyebrows to the hairline. Run your hands back through your hair, wash the nape of your neck and temples.
Step 8. Rub your ears in and out
With the same water, clean both ears. Use your thumb to clean behind the ears from the earlobe upwards.
Step 9. Wash your feet
Clean yourself from the ankles down by making sure the water reaches your toes. Starting with the right foot, rub them three times.
Step 10. Save the order
Wudu should be performed step by step (Tarthib), so it is important that you know the order in which to perform the various steps, so that you follow them accurately.
If you make a mistake, you will have to repeat your Wudu starting from the beginning again
Step 11. As you point the index finger of your right hand to the sky, testify your faith
The prayers are: "Ash-hadu anlaa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahuu laa shariikalahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhuu wa rasuuluhu."
In Italian its translation is "I testify that there is no divinity but Allah, the Only One, who has no associates and I attest that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger."
Step 12. You must repeat the Wudu each time it is canceled
The actions that cancel the ritual are excrement, excessive bleeding and gas. Deep sleep also cancels Wudu.
After intercourse, Wudu alone is not enough for Salat. Another purification rite called Ghusl is needed
Advice
- If you cannot stand because you are very old, you can practice Wudu by sitting on a chair with salt under your feet.
- It is always best to go to the toilet before practicing Wudu. This way you will be able to resist a sudden need.
- It was the custom of the Prophet to brush his teeth before Wudu.
- You need water to do Wudu, but if you don't have it or you are sick, you can practice Tayammum. It is a form of purification that allows you to use clean dust, earth or sand.
- You can also do Wudu over an arm in a cast.
- You have to do these actions following the order described and without too many pauses between one step and another.
- Swipe your neck with the backs of your wet hands once before washing your feet.
Warnings
- When fasting, don't rinse your mouth too much.
- Wudu is necessary for Salat. Don't pray if you haven't done Wudu first. When the Wudu is canceled, you have to do it again.
