Table of Contents
Introduction
This is the thirteenth part in a series of articles that discuss the prayer in Islam, its correct form, how it should be performed correctly, and the importance of Wudu (Ablution) and maintaining cleanliness before prayer. You can click here to read the full series, ALLAH willing.
Recognizing the Significance of Wudu
In the previous article, we discussed how the act of prayer begins with standing to perform Wudu, fully aware that you are drawing closer to ALLAH Almighty. It’s important for us to reflect on this moment and understand the emotions we should carry in our hearts when making Wudu. You may not realize it, but in that moment, you are standing by a river that washes away your sins and purifies your wrongdoings. You may also be unaware that this act is a source of light that will shine for you on the Day of Resurrection. This very light is how the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, will recognize you on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet’s Yearning for His Brothers
One day, the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, was sitting with His companions and said,
“I wish we had seen our brethren“
The companions asked, “Are we not your brethren, messenger of ALLAH?” He replied,
“You are my companions; our brethren are those who have not yet been born“
But how will the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, recognize them on the Day of Resurrection? He explained,
“They will come with white faces and arms and legs owing to ablution“1
The “white faces” signify the light shining from their faces, and “arms and legs owing to ablution” refers to the parts washed during Wudu, glowing with light. So, on that day, this light from Wudu will accompany us. Therefore, do not perform Wudu as a mere routine—do it with presence, with heart, and with true feeling.
Cleansing Sins Through Wudu
As you perform Wudu and wash your face, reflect on the words of the Prophet, Peace be upon Him:
“When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face (in the course of Wudu’), every sin which he committed with his eyes, will be washed away from his face with water, or with the last drop of water…”
With each drop of water, your sins are cleansed.
“…when he washes his hands, every sin which is committed by his hands will be effaced from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin his feet committed will be washed away with the water, or with the last drop of water…“2
Through Wudu, you are purified and prepared before entering into prayer.
Preparing the Heart for Prayer
Keep in mind that all of this serves as a prelude to prayer. The exaltation of Wudu highlights its importance in preparing you for the greater act of prayer. Sins are the greatest barrier to success and the biggest obstacle that keeps us from progressing in obedience and growing in worship. This is why, when you begin prayer, the first thing you say after the opening Takbir, “ALLAH Akbar”, is:
“O ALLAH, separate me from my sins as YOU have separated the East from the West“3
Why? Because you must purify, cleanse, and prepare yourself to fully comprehend, engage, and enter into the presence of ALLAH Almighty. From the very beginning, there are acts of purification and expiation.
As you perform Wudu, you are not only cleansing your body but also purifying yourself from sins and misdeeds, achieving both outward and inward purity. You approach ALLAH with a heart freed from the burdens of wrongdoing. After completing Wudu, it is recommended to recite the supplication:
“I testify that there so no true god except ALLAH Alone, Who has no partners and that Muhammad is HIS slave and Messenger“4
According to the saying of the Prophet, Peace be upon Him, recorded in Sahih Muslim, this supplication opens the gates of Paradise for you.
If someone rushes through Wudu without paying attention to its significance, there are spiritual locks left unopened and barriers that still need to be unlocked to truly enter into the presence of ALLAH. Entering the presence of ALLAH is not something to take lightly. Imagine approaching a worldly king—how would you prepare? You would seek people’s help, ask for intercession, and carefully follow the proper protocol. Now think about entering the presence of the King of all kings. ALLAH has made it easy for you to approach HIM, yet many of us do not fully take advantage of this ease. We fail to approach ALLAH in the right way.
So, when performing Wudu, take the time to purify yourself from sins. Let your limbs be illuminated, your face shine with light, and the gates of Paradise open for you, and then walk mindfully towards prayer.
Sources:
- Dr. Ahmed ElAraby. فاهم 36 | سلسلة تذوق العبادات – (1) الصلاة | مع د. أحمد العربي. YouTube Video.
