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: