Jabeerah refers to anything placed on a wound, fracture, burn, or painful body part during ablution (wudu) or tayammum, such as cloth, bandages, tape, cotton, medicine, plaster, or splints. In Islamic jurisprudential sources, the rulings related to jabeerah are typically discussed in the context of ablution.
What is Jabeerah Ablution (Wudu Jabeerah)?
Jabeerah ablution is a type of ablution performed when there is a wound, fracture, or burn on any part of the body that should normally be washed or wiped during the ablution. If the wound or fracture cannot be washed or wiped, the ablution is performed as usual, and instead of washing or wiping the affected part, a wet hand is wiped over the Jabeerah (a dressing or covering). Jabeerah refers to any material used to cover a wound, such as cloth, bandages, plasters, or splints.
Different Scenarios of Jabeerah Ablution
If there is a wound, boil, or fracture in any part of the body, and water does not harm it, the ablution should be performed normally.
If the wound or boil can be opened and water will not harm it, the wound should be uncovered, and ablution should be performed.
If the wound cannot be opened, but the area is clean and water can reach it without harm, water should be applied to the wound.
If the wound or boil is on the face or hands, and it cannot be opened or water cannot be applied due to harm, but wiping with a wet hand is not harmful, the wet hand should be wiped over it.
If the wound is on the head or feet and cannot be wiped due to its position, a clean cloth should be placed over it, and the wet hand should wipe over the cloth.
Method of Jabeerah Ablution
Start by washing the face (using the left hand or by immersing it in water).
Perform the Jabeerah ablution on the right hand (by wiping over the bandage or cast).
Wash the left hand the same way as the face.
Finally, perform wiping on the head and feet using the remaining moisture from the ablution.
Jabeerah Ablution and Ghusl (Major Ablution)
Regarding Ghusl or major ablution, the same rules apply. If a person is unable to remove the adhesive or bandage, and the area cannot be cleaned or washed, they should wipe over the bandage with a wet hand or use a clean cloth and wipe over it. If it's not possible to do so, they should perform Tayammum (dry ablution).
Jabeerah Ablution According to Ayatollah Khamenei
If the adhesive or covering can be removed, it should be, but if it cannot be removed, the person should wipe over it with a wet hand during ablution.
If removing it is not possible or causes harm, and there is not enough time to remove it, they should perform Tayammum.
Jabeerah Ablution According to Ayatollah Sistani
If a wound, boil, or fracture is found in any area of the body, and it can be opened without harm, water should be applied to it during ablution.
If it is impossible to open the wound but the water can reach it without harm, the person should wipe over the dressing.
If the dressing or wound is on the head or feet, and it covers the area for wiping, they should place a clean cloth over it and wipe over it during ablution.
If the wound is on the hands or face and cannot be opened, it is sufficient to wipe around the wound and use a clean cloth as a precaution.
