Fiqh-us Sunnah SECTION 2. Ablution (Wudu’)

Section : Before performing ghusl. It is preferred to perform ablution before ghusl regardless of whether that particular ghusl was an obligatory or a preferred act. Said ‘Aishah, “When the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, performed post-sex ghusl,…

Section : Before eating food touched by fire. Said Ibrahim ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Qarizh, “I passed by Abu Hurairah while he was performing ablution and he said, ‘Do you know why I am making ablution? It is because I ate…

Section : Renewing the ablution for every prayer. Said Buraidah, “The Prophet, upon whom be peace, made ablution for every prayer. On the day of the conquest of Makkah, he made ablution, wiped over his socks and prayed a number…

Section : Notes of importance concerning ablution. It is permissible to speak while performing ablution.  There is nothing reported from the sunnah that prohibits it. Making supplications while washing the extremities is based on false hadith. It is best for…

Section : Proof of its legitimacy. Wiping over the socks is part of the sunnah. An-Nawawi states, “All those who qualify for ijma’ (consensus) agree that it is allowed to wipe over the socks–during travelling or at home, if needed…

Section : Wiping over slippers. It is allowed to wipe over slippers, as this has been related from many companions. Says Abu Dawud, “Wiping over sandals (has been done by) ‘Ali ibn Abu Talib, Ibn Mas’ud, al-Barra’ ibn ‘Aazib, Anas…

Section : Conditions for wiping over the socks. One must have put his socks (or whatever covering he is using) while in a state of purity. Said al-Mughirah ibn Shu’bah, “I was with the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be…

Section : The place to be wiped on a sock. Islamic law prescribes that the top of the sock is to be wiped. Said al-Mughirah, “I saw the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, wipe over the top of…

Section : The duration of the wiping. For the resident, this period is one day and night. For the traveller, it is three days and nights. Said Safwan ibn ‘Assal, “We were ordered (by the Prophet) to wipe over the…

Section : The description of the wiping. After the person completes his ablution and puts on his socks or slippers, it is proper for him to wipe over them later on when he wants to perform ablution. He is permitted…

Section : What invalidates the wiping. The following invalidates the wiping: 1. The end of the permissible time period for wiping. 2. Post-sex impurity. 3. Removal of the socks. If (i) or (iii) occurs while the person was in a…