Shaafi’ Wudhu Masaail (1)

Wudhu

Wudhu means: to wash certain parts of the body with water and with Niyyat (intention).

On the night of Mi’raaj wudhu was declared fardh together with Salaat. Even prior to its status being elevated to fardh, Wudhu was in vogue. During the earlier period of Nubuwwat Jibraeel (Alaihis Salaam) came to Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and taught him the method of making Wudhu. Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) then performed two-rakaats Salaat with Jibraeel (Alaihis Salaam).

The practice of wudhu was also part of the former Shariats. In one Hadeeth, after demonstrating how wudhu should be made, Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

“This is my (method of making) wudhu and the (method of) wudhu of the Ambiya before me.”

Wudhu is discussed before ghusl, as wudhu is part of ghusl. The part precedes the whole.

Tayammum is discussed after wudhu and ghusl in view of tayammum being the substitute of wudhu and ghusl.

In Aayat no. 6 of Surah Maa’idah all three forms of Tahaarat – wudhu, ghusl and tayammum – are mentioned, and also in the sequence we have mentioned. Allah Ta’ala says:

“O Believers! When you intend offering Salaat then wash your faces, your hands till the elbows, pass your hands over your heads and (wash) your feet till the ankles.

If you are in the state of janaabat then wash your entire body.

If you are sick or on journey or any of you have come from istinja (answering the call of nature) or have touched women and you do not have water then make tayammum with clean soil, that is, pass your hands over your faces and forearms with it (the soil).

Allah Ta’ala wishes not to impose upon you any hardship. On the contrary, He wishes to cleanse you and complete His favour upon you so that you be grateful.”

(Al-Mabsoot)