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4. Cleanse the nostrils of nose by sniffing water into them, three times
5. Wash the whole face three times with both hands, if possible, from the top of the
forehead to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear
6. Wash the right arm three times up to the far end of the elbow, and then do the same
with the left arm
7. Wipe the whole head or any part of it with a wet hand, once
8. Wipe the inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and their outer sides with the
thumbs. This should be done with wet fingers
9. Wash the two feet up to the ankles, three times, beginning with the right foot
At this stage the ablution is completed, and the person who has performed it is ready
to start his prayer. When the ablution is valid a person may keep it as long as he can,
and may use it for as many prayers as he wishes. But it is preferable to renew it as
often as possible. It is also preferable to do it in the said order, although it will be
accepted from those who fail to keep this order. Ablution in the said way is sufficient
for prayer unless it is nullified by any reason.
Nullification of the Ablution
The ablution becomes nullified by any of the following:
1. Natural discharges, i.e. urine, stools, gas, etc
2. The flow of blood or pus and the like from any part of the body:
3. Vomiting
4. Falling asleep;
5. Losing one’ s reason by taking drugs or any intoxicating stuff
After the occurrence of any of these things the ablution must be renewed for prayer.
Also, after natural discharges, water should be applied because the use of toilet tissues
may not be sufficient for the purpose of purity and worship.
Complete Substitute for the Ablution (Tayammum)
Tayammum or resort to pure earth may substitute for the ablution and even the bath.
This is allowed in any of the following cases:
1. When a person is sick and cannot use water;
2. When he has no access to water in sufficient quantity;
3. When the use of water is likely to do him harm or cause any disease;
In any of these instances it is permissible to make ‘Tayammum’ which is performed
as follows:
1. Strike both hands slightly on pure earth or sand or stone
2. Shake the hands off and wipe the face with them once in the same way as done in
the ablution
3. Strike the hands again and wipe the right arm to the elbow with the left hand then
the left arm with the right hand
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