QnA snapshots: Wudhu (4/7)

According to the Hanafis the faraaidh of wudhu are four – wash the entire face once from above the forehead until below the chin and from ear to ear, wash the right hand then the left from the fingertips including the elbow, make masah of the head – the minimum amount is quarter of the head and finally wash the feet including the ankles. The wudhu is valid if not done according to sequence bit it is against the Sunnah.

The Shafi’s state there is six faraaidh of wudhu. Tarteeb – sequence is compulsory. The four faraaidh stated above remain but sequence is compulsory to validate the wudhu. When commencing wudhu niyyah must be made – it is compulsory. Imam Shafi’ (rahimahullah) says of masah that even if the finger touches one strand of hair the masah is complete but it is Sunnah to perform masah of the whole head. Females need not remove the entire headscarf. Masah means to pass the moist fingers over the head.

According to the Hanbalis there are six faraaidh. Niyyah is first made, then the hands are washed and water is inserted into the mouth and the nose. Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (rahimahullah) states that washing the mouth and nose are compulsory. The face is then washed and masah of the entire head is made. This is compulsory. Lastly the feet are washed. Tarteeb – sequence – is compulsory. Also, the limbs must be washed in quick succession.

According to the Malikis niyyah is compulsory. Washing the hands then the face and masah of the entire head is compulsory. Finally the feet must be washed, however tarteeb is not compulsory but washing in quick succession is.