14 Sunnah of Wudu: Essential Practices and Key Insights You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Hi all readers! Are you looking for explanations about the Sunnah of Wudu? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are reading the right article. Why? Because that is exactly what I will explain in this article. As Muslims, we must understand this. That's why I wrote this article. So, you must read it to the end!

Specifically, there are several important things about the Sunnah of Wudu that I will explain in this article. Some of the important points I mean are as follows:

What Is the Sunnah of Wudu?

The important point about the Sunnah of Wudu that I will explain now is "What is the Sunnah of Wudu?" I want you to understand that first before you read further explanations in this article because it is the basic concept in this discussion that must be well understood.

There are two important words that we must understand well if we are to grasp the question properly:

1. Sunnah
2. Wudu

I emphasize this because these two words are the key points in the question and in this discussion.

A brief explanation of the meaning of Sunnah and the meaning of Wudu is as follows:

Meaning of Sunnah in Islamic Law

Sunnah is a term that is very familiar in Islamic legal literature. Sunnah is one of the legal statuses in Islam. Several other legal statuses are wajib, makruh, mubah, and haram.

In Islamic law, Sunnah refers to the legal status of an action for which the person who performs it will receive a reward, and the person who does not perform it is not sinful. In other words, Sunnah is a recommendation.

We can find this explanation in the definition of Sunnah below:

مَا يُثَابُ فَاعِلُهُ وَلَا يعُاَقَبُ تَارِكُهُ

Something that the person who does it is rewarded for, and the person who does not do it is not sinful.

Some examples of Sunnah in Islamic law are Tahajjud prayer, Qabliyah prayer, Badiyah prayer, and so on. Muslims are encouraged to perform Sunnah acts if they are able to. But if they don't, they are not sinful. That's what Sunnah means.

Meaning of Wudu in Islamic Law

We all know Wudu. In fact, we've all performed it. Literally, the meaning of Wudu is cleanliness and purity. We can find this explanation in the literal definition of Wudu below:

الوُضُوْءُ لُغَةً هُوَ النَّظَافَةُ وَالطَّهَارَةُ

Wudu in Arabic means cleanliness and purity.

The meaning of Wudu in Islamic law is as follows:

الوُضُوْءُ فِي الإِسْلَامِ هُوَ اِسْتِخْدَامُ الْمَاءِ الطَّاهِرِ عَلَى أَعْضَاءٍ حَدَّدَهَا الشَّرْعُ، وَهِيَ الوَجْهُ وَالْيَدَيْنِ وَالرَّأْسِ وَالرِّجْلَيْنِ، مِنْ أَجْلِ رَفْعِ كُلِّ مَا يَمْنَعُ عَنِ الصَّلَاةِ

Wudu in Islam is the use of pure water on specific parts of the body as determined by Sharia. These body parts include the face, two hands, head, and two feet, with the purpose of removing anything that prevents a person from praying.

Conclusion

Now, what is the Sunnah of Wudu?

If we understand the meanings of Sunnah and Wudu as I have explained in the previous paragraphs, we can conclude that the Sunnah of Wudu consists of recommended actions during Wudu. If we perform these actions, it is better for us, and we will receive rewards. But if we do not perform them, we are not sinful, and our Wudu is still valid.

That is a brief explanation of "What is the Sunnah of Wudu?" As Muslims, we must understand this.

Difference Between Fard of Wudu and Sunnah of Wudu

The important point about the Sunnah of Wudu that I will explain now is the difference between the Fard of Wudu and the Sunnah of Wudu. I want you to understand this because there are some Muslims who cannot properly distinguish between the Fard of Wudu and the Sunnah of Wudu.

Fard of Wudu (فَرْضُ الوُضُوْءِ or فُرُوْضُ الوُضُوْءِ) is one of the important discussions about Wudu, besides the Sunnah of Wudu (سُنَّةُ الوُضُوْءِ or سُنَنُ الوُضُوْءِ). The Fard of Wudu is the opposite of the Sunnah of Wudu.

I really hope that you have understood the meaning of the Sunnah of Wudu as I explained in the previous paragraphs so that you can understand the difference between the Fard of Wudu and the Sunnah of Wudu. If you don't understand it, you can read it once more.

In simple terms, I would like to say that the difference between the Fard of Wudu and the Sunnah of Wudu is as follows:

1. Fard of Wudu refers to the acts that must be performed during Wudu, while Sunnah of Wudu refers to the acts that are recommended during Wudu.
2. Fard of Wudu greatly affects the validity of Wudu, while Sunnah of Wudu does not affect the validity of Wudu at all.

That is a brief explanation of the difference between the Fard of Wudu and the Sunnah of Wudu. As Muslims, we must understand this.

How Many Sunnah of Wudu Are There?

The important point about the Sunnah of Wudu that I will explain now is "How many Sunnah of Wudu are there?" I want you to understand this because it is one of the important questions in this discussion that needs to be well understood.

In general, if we read some Islamic legal literature regarding Wudu, we will find an explanation that there are 14 Sunnah of Wudu. But this number could be much higher because we are advised to do certain actions in Wudu up to three times, such as washing our faces three times, washing our hands three times, and so on. I will explain this at the end of the discussion in this article, so keep reading!

That is a brief explanation of "How many Sunnah of Wudu are there?" As Muslims, we must understand this.

14 Sunnah of Wudu You Should Know

The important point about the Sunnah of Wudu that I will explain now is the 14 Sunnah of Wudu that you should know. I want you to understand all of these by the end of this discussion so that you fully grasp what the Sunnah of Wudu are.

The 14 Sunnah of Wudu are as follows:

1. Read Bismillah.
2. Washing both palms before performing Wudu.
3. Gargling.
4. Istinsyaq (inhaling water into the nose).
5. Istinstar (exhaling the inhaled water).
6. Wiping all parts of the head.
7. Wetting the inside of the beard (for those who have thick beards).
8. Wiping both ears with fresh water.
9. Cleaning the fingers.
10. Cleaning the toes.
11. Performing all the pillars of Wudu up to three times, such as washing your face three times, wiping your head three times, and so on.
12. Performing Wudu on the right side of the body first. For example, washing the right hand first, then washing the left hand.
13. Dua after wudu.
14. Using Miswak after Wudu.

That's a brief explanation of the 14 Sunnah of Wudu that you should know. As Muslims, we must understand this.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the Sunnah of Wudu is essential for every Muslim who seeks to perform their religious duties with devotion and accuracy. Through this article, we've explored the definition, significance, and examples of Sunnah in Islamic law, particularly in relation to Wudu. The distinction between Fard and Sunnah in Wudu helps us appreciate the comprehensive nature of this purification act, highlighting the balance between obligatory actions and those that bring additional reward. By knowing and practicing the 14 Sunnah of Wudu, we not only perfect our Wudu but also align ourselves more closely with the prophetic practices, gaining spiritual benefits and rewards. I encourage you to reflect on this knowledge and apply it in your daily life. Remember, every small action done with the intention to please Allah brings us closer to Him. I hope this article has been enlightening and beneficial for you. If you have any further questions or need clarification, do not hesitate to reach out. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness. Ameen.