How to perform ablution correctly

How to perform ablution correctly

Ablution is a purification performed by Muslims before prayer, which is the process of purifying the body and soul according to Islamic law. Here are the correct steps for ablution as stated in the Sunnah of the Prophet:

Intention: A Muslim must intend in his heart to perform ablution for purity before prayer.
Washing the palms: He begins by washing his palms three times.
Rinsing the mouth: He takes water with his right hand to his mouth and rinses his mouth three times.
Inhalation and exhalation: Inhale water into the nose and exhale it three times.
Washing the face: Wash the face three times from the hairline to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear.
Washing hands up to the elbows: He washes his right hand up to the elbow three times, then the left hand in the same way.
Wiping the head: He wipes his head from front to back with his wet hands, then returns them to the front.
Wiping the ears: He uses his thumbs to wipe the outside of the ears and the other fingers to the inside.
Washing the feet up to the ankles: He washes his right foot up to the ankles three times, then the left foot in the same way.
Supplication after ablution: It is Sunnah to supplicate after completing ablution with the well-known supplication: “I bear witness that there is no god but God alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
Ablution is a basic condition for the validity of prayer in Islam, and cleanliness and purity must always be maintained before prayer.

The importance of ablution in Islam
In Islam, ablution is not only an act of personal hygiene, but also a spiritual exercise that promotes purity and concentration before prayer. Ablution is the prelude to standing before God, and embodies the combination of physical and spiritual purification that is an essential part of worship in Islam.

The spiritual aspect of ablution

Ablution symbolizes purity and spiritual renewal. By cleaning certain parts of the body, a Muslim prepares himself for humility and concentration in prayer.

Intention, which is the intention in the heart to perform ablution, plays a pivotal role in shifting from a state of preoccupation with the world to a state of readiness to worship and draw closer to God. This act reminds the Muslim of the importance of spiritual cleanliness, and raises the value of purity in all aspects of life.

The physical aspect of ablution

Physically, ablution promotes health and hygiene. Rinsing and sniffing, for example, cleans the mouth and nose and helps reduce the transmission of germs.

Washing the face, hands and feet helps maintain personal hygiene and reduces the risk of infection. Ablution is not only an exercise of physical purity but also promotes personal discipline and attention to detail.

Integrated effect of ablution

Ablution represents the integration of body and soul. It works to prepare the Muslim for prayer through a state of purification and complete devotion to worship. This ritual enhances self-awareness and mental presence, enabling Muslims to overcome distraction and enhance focus during prayer. In addition, ablution is a constant reminder of the importance of purity and order in a Muslim’s daily life.

At the conclusion of the article, it can be said that ablution is not only considered a means of physical purity, but rather an essential element for the spiritual and psychological development of a Muslim. This simple but profound process reflects the Islamic wisdom of combining spirituality and daily practices, helping to build a balanced and integrated Muslim personality.

Differences in the practice of ablution between different Islamic sects:-

A review of how ablution is performed in the four schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) and a discussion of the reasons behind these differences.
Differences in the practice of ablution between different Islamic sects
Ablution is a ritual of purity that prepares Muslims to perform prayer. However, there are some subtle differences in how it is performed between the four main Islamic schools of thought: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. These differences reflect the jurisprudential diversity within the Islamic nation and show how religious practices are affected by different jurisprudential interpretations.

Hanafi school of thought

In the Hanafi school of thought, wiping the entire head once is considered sufficient, and wiping is done from front to back and then back to the front. The ears and neck are also wiped. Hanafi stresses the importance of order in washing the limbs and the continuity between them.

Maliki school of thought

The Malikis believe that wiping part of the head is sufficient, and they do not require wiping the ears as part of ablution because they consider them part of the head. Also, the Maliki school of thought is distinguished in that it recommends exaggerating the fasting person’s mouth and nose in a way that ensures that water does not enter the stomach.

Shafi’i doctrine

The Shafi’is stress the necessity of washing every part three times, except for the head, which is washed only once. Wiping the ears is also considered an integral part of wiping the head, and they must be wiped immediately after the head.

Hanbali doctrine

In the Hanbali school of thought, the entire head is wiped from front to back and then back to the front, similar to Hanafi, but without wiping the neck. Hanbalis also emphasize the importance of washing the organs three times and consider wiping the ears an independent part following wiping the head.

Reasons behind the differences

These differences are due to different interpretations of religious texts such as the Qur’an and Hadith. Each doctrine is based on a series of hadiths of the Prophet and the opinions of companions and followers that support their own practices. These differences demonstrate the flexibility of Islamic jurisprudence and its ability to adapt to different societies and changing circumstances.

Ultimately, despite these differences, all schools of thought emphasize the importance of ablution as a condition for the validity of prayer, reflecting the basic unity in Islamic teachings on purity and purity.

The effect of ablution on mental health: An analysis of how ablution affects reducing anxiety and stress, and improving the psychological state of the individual.
The effect of ablution on mental health
How to perform ablution correctly
How to perform ablution correctly
Ablution in Islam, while it is an act of physical purity that precedes prayer, also carries profound connotations and important effects on mental health. In this article, we explore how this simple ritual can reduce anxiety and stress levels, and effectively contribute to improving an individual’s psychological state.

Relieve anxiety and stress
Repetition and routine: Ablution requires performing a set of specific steps in a specific order, creating a routine that can help relieve stress. Routine activities provide a sense of stability and structure that can be soothing to the nerves and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Meditation and Mindfulness: During ablution, Muslims are encouraged to reflect and focus on the present moment. This is similar to meditation and mindfulness practices that have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mental health. Moving from being preoccupied with daily worries to focusing attention on a specific action can help calm the mind and reduce stress.
Regulating body temperature: Using cold water during ablution, especially when rinsing the mouth and inhaling, can help regulate body temperature and improve the overall feeling of freshness and alertness. This can have a calming and refreshing effect, especially in moments of stress or mental exhaustion.
Improving psychological condition
How to perform ablution correctly
How to perform ablution correctly
Enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem: Ablution enhances a Muslim’s sense of purity and cleanliness, which can contribute to improving self-confidence and self-esteem. These positive feelings contribute to enhancing mental health and reducing the negative effects of psychological stress.
Providing an opportunity for interruption and renewal: Every ablution session provides an opportunity to disconnect from daily activities and enjoy moments of serenity and renewal. These small interruptions can be essential for mental and physical recovery, especially in a fast-paced environment.
Promoting social and spiritual connection: Ablution enhances a sense of belonging and connection to the broader Islamic community, which enhances social support and strengthens spiritual connections. These elements are important for mental health, as social support can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
In conclusion, ablution is not only a religious ritual, it is also a practice that carries profound psychological benefits that can help improve an individual’s overall well-being.

Stories from the Prophet’s biography about ablution:
A narration of some stories from the life of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, and his companions related to ablution, and the lessons learned from them.
Stories from the Prophet’s biography about ablution
How to perform ablution correctly
Ablution was an integral part of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, and his companions, and he left us many hadiths and stories that show its importance and the way he performed it. Here are some inspiring stories from the Prophet’s biography that teach us a lot about ablution and its importance:

1. The story of the Prophet with ablution and humility
It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, used to perform ablution himself without asking anyone for help in doing so, even in the presence of his companions who were keen to serve him. This teaches us humility and the importance of carrying out religious duties ourselves rather than relying on others, which enhances the personal connection to worship.

2. The story of the companion who forgot part of his ablution
One time, the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, saw a companion who had left a dry spot on his foot untouched by water during ablution. The Prophet pointed to him, saying: “Woe to the heels from the Fire.” This teaches us the importance of paying attention to detail in ablution and ensuring that all required parts are washed properly.

3. The story of ablution and forgiveness
It is narrated that the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: “Whoever performs ablution and performs it well and then says: I bear witness that there is no god but God alone with no partner and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him and he may enter through whichever one he wishes.” This story encourages Muslims to perform ablution correctly and to pray after it, which strengthens spiritual connections and motivates obedience.

4. The story of Ali bin Abi Talib and ablution
Ali bin Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, was an example of precision in ablution. It is said that he would repeat his ablution if he doubted its validity. This story teaches us the importance of certainty and ensuring the correctness of ablution, and emphasizes the pursuit of perfection in performing religious rituals.

5. The story of the Prophet and the teaching of ablution
Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, was keen to teach ablution to new Muslims and children, stressing the importance of this ritual. It is said that he explained ablution step by step to his companions, which shows the educational importance of ablution and how the Prophet was a teacher concerned with the details of worship.

These stories enhance our understanding of the importance of ablution in Islam and teach us how a simple act like ablution can carry profound connotations and meanings that go beyond physical purity to include spiritual and mental purity.