Summary
Core Concepts & Benefits of Purity
Physical Cleanliness: Purity of the body from perceptible filth or ritual impurity.
Spiritual Purity: Purity of the self from vices, sins, and disobedience to God.
The term "Taharah" is used in the Qur'an to signify purity from sins, idols, suspicion, unchastity, and filth, as well as to describe what is lawful and venerated.
Half of Faith: "Cleanliness is equal to half of faith..."
Pleasing to God: Allah loves those who purify themselves.
Removes Sins & Raises Rank: A well-performed ablution is an expiation for past sins
Acceptance of Supplication: God answers the requests of a Muslim who sleeps in a state of purity.
Recognition on Judgment Day: Believers will be recognized by their radiant faces, arms, and legs from ablution.
Health Protection: Prevention is better than cure.
Minor Purification (Wudu' / Ablution)
Wudu' is a ritual washing of specific body parts and is a prerequisite for prayer, Tawaf, and touching the Qur'an. After relieving oneself, cleansing with water (preferred) or tissue is required.
Intention (Niyah) in the heart and say "Bismillah"
Wash palms three times.
Rinse mouth and nostrils three times.
Wash face (from hairline to chin, ear to ear) three times.
Wash hands and arms to the elbows, right then left, three times.
Wipe head once from front to back and back again.
Wipe ears once.
Wash feet up to the ankles, right then left, three times.
Relieving oneself (passing urine, stool, or wind).
Urethral (madhi) or prostate (wadi) discharge.
Complete sleep or loss of consciousness (e.g., fainting, drunkenness).
Eating camel's meat.
Touching sexual organs with the exposed palm.
Major Purification (Ghusl / Ritual Bath)
Ghusl is the ritual washing of the entire body with water.
Ghusl is Necessitated by:Ejaculation of semen.
Sexual intercourse (even without ejaculation).
Cessation of menstruation or postpartum bleeding.
Death of a Muslim (the deceased is bathed).
A non-Muslim embracing Islam.
Intend in the heart and say "Bismillah".
Wash hands, then private parts to remove filth.
Perform a complete Wudu'.
Pour water over the head three times, ensuring it reaches the scalp.
Pour water over the entire body, starting with the right side, ensuring water reaches all skin recesses.
Prayer, Tawaf, touching the Qur'an, reciting the Qur'an, and staying in a mosque.
Special Circumstances & Concessions
A substitute for Wudu' and Ghusl when water is unavailable or its use would be harmful. It is performed by striking clean earth once with the palms, blowing off excess dust, then wiping the face and hands up to the wrist.
Socks: It is permissible to wipe over socks for Wudu' (not Ghusl) if they were put on while in a state of purity. The duration is one day for a resident and three days for a traveler.
Splints/Bandages: One must wipe over splints or bandages if washing the injured part would cause harm. There is no time limit for this concession.
A sick person should purify with water if possible. If not, they may perform Tayammum. They can be assisted by another person. Prayer should not be delayed due to an inability to achieve perfect purification; one should purify as much as possible and pray on time.