Wudu

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Wuḍūʾ (Arabic: الوضوء al-wuḍūʼ [wʊˈdˤuːʔ] transl. ablution) is the Islamic procedure for cleansing parts of the body, a type of ritual purification, or ablution. The four Fardh (Mandatory) acts of wudu are washing the face, then the arms, then wiping the head, then washing or wiping the feet, and doing these in order without any big breaks between them.^[1][2]

Wudu is an important part of ritual purity in Islam. It is governed by fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence),^[3] which specifies hygienical jurisprudence and defines the rituals that constitute it. Ritual purity is called tahara.

Wudu is typically performed before salah (daily ritual prayer). Activities that invalidate wudu include urination, defecation, flatulence, deep sleep, light bleeding (depending on madhhab), menstruation, postpartum status, and sexual intercourse.^[4]

Wudu is often translated as 'partial ablution', as opposed to ghusl 'full ablution' where the whole body is washed. It also contrasts with tayammum or "dry ablution", which uses sand or dust in place of water principally due to water scarcity or other harmful effects on the person.^[5]