Definition of Wudu
وضوء in Arabic means cleanliness and brightness in appearance. In Islamic terminology, it is the washing of specific body parts according to particular conditions as an act of worship to Allah. Wudu is a prerequisite for the validity of Salah (prayer) and is not accepted without it. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to master this practice, understand its rules and conditions, and teach them to their children from an early age to ensure their prayers are valid and accepted.
Obligatory Acts of Wudu
The agreed-upon obligatory acts of Wudu are six:
- Washing the face.
- Washing the hands up to the elbows.
- Wiping the head.
- Washing the feet up to the ankles.
- Performing these acts in the prescribed order.
- Continuity, meaning not having a long break between washing each part.
Sunnah Acts of Wudu for Children
The Sunnah acts are recommended practices that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed during Wudu. Observing these Sunnah acts brings additional rewards but neglecting them does not invalidate the Wudu. Here are the Sunnah acts:
- Using Miswak before Wudu: Miswak is a tooth-cleaning stick used to freshen the mouth and clean the teeth. It is recommended to use it before performing Wudu.
- Saying Bismillah (In the Name of Allah): Mentioning Allah before starting Wudu by saying: “بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ”.
- Washing the Hands at the Start: Washing both hands three times before beginning Wudu.
- Starting with the Right Side: Washing the right hand and foot before the left ones.
- Repeating Each Action Three Times: It is Sunnah to wash each body part three times, as narrated about the Prophet’s Wudu: “He washed his hands until he cleaned them, then he rinsed his mouth and nose three times, washed his face three times, his right arm up to the elbow three times, and his left arm three times, wiped his head, and washed his feet.”
- Interlacing the Fingers and Toes: Running water between the fingers and toes and through a thick beard.
- Wiping the Ears: After wiping the head, it is recommended to wipe the inside of the ears with the index finger and the outside with the thumb.
- Exaggeration in Rinsing the Mouth and Nose: Exaggerating in rinsing the mouth and nose by doing it more thoroughly, especially for non-fasting individuals.
- Rubbing the Body Parts: Rubbing the washed parts with the hand to ensure water reaches all areas.
- Supplication After Wudu: Reciting the following supplication after finishing Wudu: “أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ. اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ التَّوَّابِينَ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ.”
- Renewing Wudu for Each Prayer: Renewing Wudu before each prayer, even if the previous Wudu has not been invalidated.
- Praying Two Rakat After Wudu: Performing two units of prayer (Rakat) after completing Wudu.
By teaching these practices to children, they can perform Wudu correctly and gain additional rewards, ensuring their prayers are accepted and valid.