SAEDNEWs: The rules of wudu (ritual ablution) were taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Mecca during the early days of his mission. Qur’an 5:6 outlines the practice, which later became a point of difference between Sunni and Shia methods.
According to Saednews, How did Muslims of different schools perform ablution (wudu) and prayer during the time of the Prophet Muhammad? The following narration describes the method of ablution attributed to the Prophet through the teachings of Imam al-Baqir.
Shaykh al-Kulayni narrates from Zurara that Imam al-Baqir said:
“Shall I explain to you how the Prophet performed ablution?” We replied, “Yes.”
The Imam then ordered that a vessel of water be brought and placed before him. He rolled up his sleeves to the elbows, immersed his right hand in the water, and said that when the hand is pure, this is the proper way to begin.
He then took water in his hand, poured it over his forehead, and said, “In the name of Allah.” He allowed the water to flow over his beard and wiped his face and forehead with his hand.
The Qur’an states concerning ablution:
“O you who believe! When you rise for prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads and your feet to the ankles.”
— Qur’an 5:6
The Imam then filled his left hand with water and poured it over the right elbow, wiping down the forearm until the water reached the fingertips. He repeated the same procedure with the right hand over the left elbow and forearm, allowing the water to reach the fingers.
Afterward, he wiped the front of his head and the tops of his feet using the remaining moisture on his right and left hands.
Numerous narrations from the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt discuss the details of wudu, including its proper method, when it should be renewed, and the spiritual virtues of remaining in a state of ablution. Among these virtues is protection from wrongdoing and sin.
Zurara also reports that Imam al-Baqir said that a person once asked Imam Ali about how the Prophet performed ablution, and Imam Ali described the procedure in detail.
