Page 49 - Islam In Focus

Basic HTML Version

This ‘Tayammum’ is a symbolic demonstration of the importance of the ablution,
which is so vital for both worship and health. When Islam introduced this repeatable
ablution, it brought along with it the best hygienic formula which no other spiritual
doctrine or medical prescription had anticipated
Special Facilities in Ablution
With regard to the ablution Islam has offered certain facilities. If socks or stockings
are on and have been put on after performing an ablution, it is not necessary to take
them off when renewing the ablution. Instead of taking them off, the wet hand may be
passed over them. They should be removed, however, and the feet washed at least
once in every twenty-four hours. The same practice may be resorted to if the boots are
on their soles and appearances are clean. Similarly, if there is a wound in any of the
parts which must be washed in the ablution, and if washing that particular part is
likely to cause harm, it is permissible to wipe the dressing bandage of the wound with
a wet hand.
The Complete Ablution (Ghusl/Bath)
The whole body with the nostrils, mouth and head must be washed by a complete bath
before entering prayer in any of the following cases:
1. After intimate intercourse;
2. After wet dreams;
3. Upon expiration of the menstruation period of women;
4. At the end of the confinement period of nursing women, which is estimated at a
maximum of forty days. If it ends before, complete ablution should be done
It should be pointed out that at the start of the bath or ablution the intention must be
clear that it is for the purpose of purity and worship. Also, a person who is performing
an ablution, partial or complete, should combine his performance with some
utterances glorifying God and praying him for true guidance.
The forms of such utterances are described in detail in the elaborate sources of the
religion. One, however, can say one’ s own best utterances if one does not know the
exact wording. That is sufficient as long as it is in the praise of God and is said with
sincerity
The Prayer Call (Adhan)
Now the worshipper has performed his ablution as explained above and is ready for
prayer. When the time of prayers comes, it is good practice, after the Traditions of
Prophet Muhammad, to say the Prayer call (Adhan). The caller stands facing the
Qiblah (the direction of Ka’ bah at Mecca), raising both hands to his ears and says, in a
loud voice, the following:
1. Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest), (repeated four times);
Çááå ÃßÈÑ Çááå ÃßÈÑ Çááå ÃßÈÑ Çááå ÃßÈÑ
Ashhadu An La illaha-ila-lah (I bear witness that there is no god but the One God),
(repeated twice);
ÃÔåÏ Ãä áÇ Åáå ÅáÇ Çááå ÃÔåÏ Ãä áÇ Åáå ÅáÇ Çááå
Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan Rasulu - l - lah (I bear witness that Muhammad is the
Messenger of God), (repeated twice);
ÃÔåÏ Ãä ãÍãÏÇð ÑÓæá Çááå ÃÔåÏ Ãä ãÍãÏÇð ÑÓæá Çááå
48
www.islamicbulletin.com