Wuḍūʾ (وضوء)
Definition
Wuḍūʾ (وضوء), also transliterated as Wudu or Ablution, refers to the ceremonial washing prescribed in Islam for partial purification of the body. This ritual serves as a prerequisite for engaging in prayer (Ṣalāh) and other acts of worship. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual and physical cleanliness in Islamic life.
Etymology
The term Wuḍūʾ originates from the Arabic root و ض أ (w-ḍ-ʾ), which implies cleanliness and brightness. In Turkish, this practice is known as Abdest.
Qur’anic Basis
The foundation for Wuḍūʾ is found in the Qur’an, specifically Sūrah Al-Mā’idah (5:6):
"O Believers! When you rise to pray, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles."
Procedure
Wuḍūʾ comprises obligatory (farḍ) and recommended (sunnah) actions, ensuring both ritual purity and adherence to the Prophet Muhammad’s practices.
Obligatory Actions (Farḍ)
- Washing the face: From the hairline to the chin and ear to ear.
- Washing the hands and arms: Up to the elbows.
- Wiping part of the head: With a wet hand.
- Washing the feet: Up to the ankles.
Recommended Actions (Sunnah)
- Intention (niyyah): Declaring the purpose of Wuḍūʾ.
- Washing hands: Up to the wrists thrice, before starting Wuḍūʾ.
- Reciting God’s name: “Bismillāh” or “In the name of God.”
- Cleaning the teeth (miswāk).
- Rinsing the mouth: Three times.
- Sniffing water into the nostrils: Three times.
- Observing the proper order: Following the specified sequence.
- Avoiding delay: Performing the steps consecutively.
- Repeating each action thrice.
- Interdigital rubbing: Ensuring cleanliness between fingers.
- Combing the beard with fingers.
- Wiping the entire head: Once.
- Washing ears: Along with the head-wiping.
- Foot care: Rubbing between toes with the little finger.
Differences in Practice
Sunni and Shia branches of Islam share the core requirements of Wuḍūʾ but differ in specific practices, mainly regarding how the feet are washed or wiped:
- Sunnis: Generally advocate for washing the feet.
- Shias: Prefer wiping (masaḥ) the feet.
Books for Further Studies
- “Fiqh al-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sâbiq
- “Reliance of the Traveller” (Umdat al-Salik) by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri
- “The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam” by Cyril Glassé
Takeaways
- Wuḍūʾ is a fundamental Islamic ritual emphasizing purity and readiness for prayer.
- It involves specific steps, including washing and wiping parts of the body.
- Differences exist between Sunni and Shia practices, reflecting diverse Islamic jurisprudence.
Conclusion
Wuḍūʾ not only fulfills a spiritual purification requirement but is also a reflection of the broader Islamic principle of cleanliness. By understanding its theological and practical aspects, one gains deeper insight into the daily lives and rituals of Muslims.
