Stairs to Bliss - by Imam Shurunbulali (rahmatullahi alaihi)
The Book of Taharah - Disliked Acts of Wudu

Explication by Shaykh Husain: Real Audio: Listen Online | Download

Translation
Actions disliked during wudu include:
1) wasting water
2) using too little water
3) splashing the face
4) speech other than supplications (du'a)
5) taking assistance without an excuse

Commentary
These actions are classified as makruh (disliked). 'Disliked' means disliked by Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) and His Messenger (salla Allah 'alayhi wa sallam).

The first of these is wasting water. Abdullah ibn 'Umar (ra) narrated that the Prophet (salla Allah 'alayhi wa sallam) once passed by Sa'd (ra) while he was making wudu and said, "What is this extravagance, Sa'd?" He questioned, "Is there extravagance in the use of water?" The Prophet (salla Allah 'alayhi wa sallam) replied, "Yes, even if you are at a flowing river."

Spiritual Dimension: The Prophet (salla Allah 'alayhi wa sallam) shunned extravagance in wudu, an act commanded by the Quran and whose basis is preparation for worship. If such an act earns the displeasure of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala), imagine the results of our extravagance in the mundane matter of our daily lives.

When economizing water, one must be careful not to use too little water. Enough water should be used to allow proper washing of each body part without wastage.

The third of the disliked acts is splashing the face. Here the important principle is to be careful concerning residual water that flows off of the body, because it carries away minor sins. Additionally, one should give the wudu due care and not hurry through it.

The fourth is speech other than supplications (du'a). This refers to speaking with others while making wudu. Purification is an act of worship, a fulfillment of a command of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala), and a means of purifying the body of minor sins. It behooves each individual to concentrate and focus on each individual action during this significant act.

Finally, it is disliked to seek assistance without an excuse. Wudu has been commanded by Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) and therefore should be completed independently by those who are responsible for wudu. Of course, with an excuse, such as physical illness, seeking assistance is not disliked.

Explication by Shaykh Husain: Real Audio: Listen Online | Download

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