How to Perform Wudhu (Ablution)?

Ablution – or wudhu in Islam, is one of the most important rituals for Muslims, as we perform it at least five times a day before offering our daily prayers. It helps us attain purity and cleanliness. It makes us mentally and physically ready for our day by performing the steps of rinsing mouth, washing hands, nose, face, ears, hair, arms, and feet.
 
It may sound simple to some, but it does require attention and time. A hurried wudhu is likely to cause more harm than good! Therefore, one should perform wudhu correctly.
 
Importance of Wudhu
 
Throughout Islam, purity and cleanliness are both encouraged. Wudhu is both a physical and spiritual preparation ahead of prayer, and it acts as a means of affirming God through the preparation one makes to communicate with Him.
 
The Prophet (PBUH) has repeatedly stressed the importance of Wudhu. Hazrat Anas Bin Malik has reported that the Prophet Muhammad once said,
“Make your wudhu properly and fully so that the guardian angels will love you and your life will be lengthened (by Allah).”
 
How to perform Wudhu?
Wudhu consists of a set of steps that ensure cleanliness from all possible dirt and impurities. According to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Wudhu should be performed in the following way:

1. Make ‘Niya’ (intention)

The first step is to make an intention to perform wudhu and saying a heartfelt prayer. This way, you not only reap the benefits of wudhu, but Allah showers His blessings upon you as soon as you make your intention.

2. Next, in Arabic, say Bismillah

Islam encourages us to recite Allah’s holy name before starting anything that we do. Just like that, recite ‘Bismillah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem.’

3. Wash your hands

Now begin with washing your hands, starting from your right hand. Make sure to wash them up to the wrist; clean your nails and in between your fingers until your hands are clean. Remember to repeat the action three times on both hands.
You may use soap as well in case water does not clean properly.

4. Rinse your mouth

Next, you must take water in your right hand and rinse your mouth with it. Thoroughly swish the water in your mouth and gargle until all leftover food particles are removed from the teeth. Repeat this three times, at least.

5. Wash your nose

After washing your mouth, rinse your nose with the help of water from your right hand. Bring the water close to your nose and inhale gently until water pulls up to your nostrils. Repeat this three times. If needed, use your left hand’s little finger to clean your nostrils from inside.

6. Wash your face

In this step, wash your face three times. Make sure that water reaches from your hairline to the corners of your ears on the sides.

7. Wash your arms

For this step, pull your sleeves just above your elbows and proceed. Take water and wash your lower arms in such a way that no part of the arm is dry. Repeat this three times on the right and left sides.

8. Wash your hair, nape, and ears

It will now be convenient for you to wash your head by taking your hands (already wet) and wiping them down, starting from the forehead to the back of the neck. This step is called ‘masah’.Once done, you may clean your ears with the help of rubbing your fingertips inside and behind your ears.

9. Wash your feet

For the final step, remove your shoes and socks to wash your feet. You should run water three times on the right and left foot. Clean your feet properly by rubbing your hands on the heels and between the toes.

10. Recite Dua

After finishing all these steps, recite the first Kalimah,
 "Ashhadu allah ilaha illallahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Abduhu wa Rasuluhu."
 
The Four Mandatory Steps of Wudhu
Although it is necessary to perform all the steps mentioned above to perform a valid wudhu, only four steps are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an.
“O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.”
(Surah al-Maida, verse 6)
 
This verse tells us that it is an essential part of the purification rite for Muslims to wash their face, arms, head, and feet with water to fulfill the 4 Fardh (mandatory) conditions of Wudhu.
 
Benefits of Wudhu (Ablution)
Wudhu (ablution) has many benefits, besides purifying us for prayer. Below are a few of the scientifically proved ones:

• Our daily lives involve touching various things that may contain multiple types of germs that are harmful. If we do Wudhu, we will wash our hands to get rid of these germs and maintain our health.
• When someone washes their arms, it promotes blood circulation. 

Make Wudhu with The Wudhu Socks: Convenient Ablution!
It is crucial to perform wudhu correctly because it is Salah’s first, most essential step, and that it is also an act of worship. While you may perform wudhu everywhere, it often becomes difficult to do in offices, when wearing formal attire, when traveling, or whenever it is inconvenient to remove your shoes and socks and wash your feet repeatedly.

For this reason, The Wudhu Socks are the perfect practical solution for those who find it challenging to perform wudhu five times a day. The Wudhu Socks are water-resistant yet breathable socks that are comfortable for all-day wear and, most importantly, are fully compliant with Shari’ah!
 
Learn more about them at http://www.thewudhusocks.com/