How to Perform Ablution (Shia)

Ablution, or wudu, is a means of purifying yourself to prepare for prayer or worship.^{[1]
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Idris Abdul-Zahir
Imam and Islam Expert

Expert Interview} Without ablution, you cannot read the Qur'an, pray, or make tawaf. This article will teach you how to perform ablution according to the Shia denomination.

Performing Ablution

Islam expert Belal Elkadri says to say “Bismillah,” take a handful of water, and wash your hands, your face, and your arms 3 times. Then, use the moisture that remains on your hands to wipe your head and feet. When you’re done, say the Shahada to complete your ablution.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Stating Your Intention

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Internally state your intention as, "I am performing Wudhu for the pleasure of Allah, and to seek closeness to Him”.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Wash Your Face

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This includes items such as a watch/ring or those such as paint or anything which would act as a barrier over the skin.^{[4]
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The water should reach all parts from the hairline to chin, and the entire horizontal plane of the face within the reach of the span of the hand from the middle finger to the thumb. To ensure that the complete surface of your face has been washed, include a bit of the inner parts of your nose, lips, and eyes in the washing. You do not, however, need to wash the complete inner portion of these parts.
A second such washing is recommended while subsequent washings are prohibited.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Wash Your Arms

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Using the left hand, pour water over the right arm from the elbow to the finger-tips.^{[5]
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- The washing must be done from the elbows to the fingertips and not vice versa.
- Pour water from a little above the elbow to ensure that the whole forearm is covered.
- Wash in such a way that the water penetrates the hair, if any, and reaches the skin.
A second such washing is recommended while subsequent washings are prohibited.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Wipe Your Head

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Wipe the front most quarter of the head.^{[6]
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Research source} Use the moisture that remains in your right hand. Wipe from the upper part of the head downwards (from the back of the head towards the face). It is recommended to wipe the length of at least one finger. Wiping can be done with one finger only; however it is recommended to use three fingers together (the middle finger, index finger and ring finger). The moisture must reach the scalp. However, if the hair is so short that it can not be combed, it is sufficient to wipe your hair.
- While wiping the head, your hand should not touch your forehead. Doing otherwise will cause the water of the forehead to mix with the wetness of your hands.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Wipe Your Feet

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Wipe your right foot with your right hand, and your left foot with your left hand. It is better to wipe at least the width of three joined fingers (the middle finger, index finger and ring finger), and better yet to wipe your entire foot with your entire hand. At the time of wiping the foot, actually pull the hand from toes to the ankle joint (as described above) along the length of the toe-tips till the ankles. Do not just place your whole hand on your foot and pull up a little. Please note that wiping of the feet performed on socks or shoes is not valid except in unusual circumstances.

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Question

What do I have to recite before I make Wudhu?

Community Answer

You can say Bismillah which is in the name of Allah. At the end, recite the kalma and bismillah wal alhamdullilah.

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If one has a lot of hair on the head, how can wiping be enough to get water to the roots of the hair? Whenever I do that, the water just remains on my hair, it doesn't flow on the scale except if I take a handful of water. What can I do?

Community Answer

You can wipe your head by soaking your hands and the make a line in the middle of your head and then perform mesah.

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If during the course of performing ablution some water dropped on the upper part of my feet, is it compulsory for me to dry it before wiping my feet with the wetness of my hand?

Community Answer

The foot skin needs to be dried, before performing masaḥ. If you are wearing a sock, then you don't have to dry it unless the majority of the sock is wet down to the skin.

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Tips

When washing the face and arms, wash by pouring water from top to bottom. Washing the other way will invalidate your Wudhu.

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In general, wash a little beyond the required limit in order to make sure all parts are covered.

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In Washing the face and arms, water must flow over them, even if with the help of the hand. Rinsing is not enough. The first time is wajib and the second time is mustahabb and the third time is Haram, (forbidden)

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Warnings

Make sure that the water is clean; not mixed, or changed its colour and smell.

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Make sure that the water is obtained from a lawful way, and not stolen.

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Make sure that the floor is dry, and every part that will be washed is dry.

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Avoid these things when doing Wudhu:
- Urine
- Feces
- Semen
- Deceased
- Blood which squirts from the animal
- Dogs
- Pigs
- Alcohol and all intoxicants
- Perspiration of that animal which eats filth
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