Becoming the Beloved of Allah Ta’ala by Virtue of Wudhu
Appearing hereunder is another segment from Hazrat Thanwi’s (Rahmatullahi alaih) kitaab on the Wisdom of the Divine Ahkaam.
The topic is expanded on in light of the Teachings of our Akaabir Sufiya-e-Kiraam, particularly for a female readership.
Yet another overwhelming directive from Hakeemul Ummat, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi alayh). It is a blessing to delve into these treasures. This third wisdom touches the very heart of a believer’s spiritual aspiration.
Translation of the Provided Text
Title: The Third Wisdom of Wudhu (Ablution) is the Attainment of Divine Love
Text:
“By intending to obey Allah, a person who becomes diligent in outward and inward purity becomes the beloved of Allah, the Exalted.
As Allah the Exalted says: ‘Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly turn to Him in repentance, and He loves those who purify themselves.’ (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:222)
Translation: That is, Allah the Exalted loves those who maintain both inward and outward purity and cleanliness.
Therefore, whichever attribute grants a person the honour of becoming the beloved of Allah, it is essential to adorn oneself with it continually.” (Al-Masaalihul ‘Aqliyyah)
Explanation in Light of the Teachings of our Akaabir Sufiya (The Great Sufi Masters)
This wisdom elevates Wudhu from a mere physical preparation for Salaah to a profound spiritual transaction between the servant and her Lord. The ultimate goal is not just to be clean, but to become beloved to Allah (Mahboob-e-Ilaahi).
- The Intention (Niyyah): The Key to Transformation
Hazrat Thanwi begins with “بہ نیت طاعتِ الہی” (With the intention of obeying Allah). Our Akaabir have always taught that the value of an action lies in its intention. For a woman, whose day is often filled with countless tasks—managing the home, caring for children, fulfilling responsibilities—this is a golden key.
When you approach Wudhu, pause for a moment. Let your heart form the intention: “O Allah, I am performing this Wudhu solely to obey Your command and to become pure for Your vision (in Salaah).” This simple, conscious intention transforms a routine act of washing into a powerful act of worship (Ibaadah), infusing your entire day with the light of obedience.
- Outward and Inward Purity (Zaahiri wa Baatini Nazaafat)
The Qur’aanic verse cited (إِنَّ اللّٰهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ) is a masterpiece of spiritual depth, as explained by our Akaabir:
- الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ (Al-Mutatahhireen): This refers to both types of purity.
- Outward Purity (Zaahiri Tahaarat): This is the physical cleanliness achieved by washing the prescribed limbs with water. It is the foundation.
- Inward Purity (Baatini Tahaarat): This is the purity of the heart. It involves cleansing oneself from spiritual filth such as arrogance, jealousy, hatred, greed, and heedlessness (Ghaflat).
The great Sufi masters explain that every act of outward purification is a symbol and a means for inward purification. As you wash each limb, you make a silent Du’a with your heart:
- As you wash your hands, ask Allah to purify your actions from wrongdoing.
- As you rinse your mouth, ask Allah to purify your speech from lies, backbiting, and harsh words.
- As you clean your nose, ask Allah to purify your inner sense of smell from inhaling evil or suspicion about others.
- As you wash your face, ask Allah to make your countenance radiant with His remembrance and to remove the love of show (Riya) from your heart.
- As you wash your arms, ask Allah to purify your deeds and to use your strength only in His service.
- As you wipe your head, ask Allah to purify your thoughts, intentions, and knowledge.
- As you wash your feet, ask Allah to keep your feet steadfast on the Straight Path (Siraatul Mustaqeem) and to prevent you from walking towards sin.
- Becoming the Beloved of Allah
This is the ultimate fruit. The Akaabir teach that the Path to Allah is the path of love. When Allah says He “loves” the Mutatahhireen, it signifies a special, intimate relationship. For a believing woman, this is the highest honour she can achieve—to be a beloved servant of her Creator.
This divine love (Mahabbah) manifests in her life as:
- Divine Assistance (Tawfeeq): Allah makes her tasks easier and blesses her time.
- Inner Peace (Sakeenah): Even amidst the chaos of daily life, her heart remains connected to and tranquil through the remembrance of her Beloved.
- Acceptance of Du’a: Her supplications, especially those made for her family and children, find a special acceptance.
- A Radiant Home: The home of a woman who strives for this purity becomes a place where Angels descend and mercy resides.
A Practical Spiritual Exercise for Sisters
Our pious predecessors, like Sayyidah Aisha (RadhiyAllahu Anha) and the great female saints, embodied this. Before you perform each Wudhu, especially the ones beyond the obligatory, remind yourself:
“This water is not just cleaning my skin. It is the manifestation of Allah’s Mercy, washing away the spiritual dust that has settled on my heart throughout my busy day. With every drop, I am not just preparing to stand before Him in Salaah, but I am adorning myself with the quality that makes me beloved to Him.”
By internalizing this, Wudhu becomes a recurring appointment throughout your day to reconnect, reorient, and rejuvenate your relationship with Allah Ta’ala. It is a continuous means of adorning yourself with the very attribute that makes you, His beloved.
May Allah Ta’ala, through the blessings of these wisdoms explained by Hakeemul Ummat (Rahmatullahi alaih), grant every sister the ability to perform Wudhu with this profound awareness and make us all among the Mutatahhireen whom He loves. Ameen.
(Khairun Nisa)