Ablution is an important act in the life of a Muslim woman. It allows her to purify herself physically and spiritually before performing prayer. It is therefore a sacred ritual intended to seek purity and closeness to Allah. Here's what you need to know about ablution for women, a daily act of devotion repeated by millions of believers worldwide.

Minor Ablution for Women: A Daily Purification

Minor ablutions, also known as minor ritual purity, are performed with pure, colorless, odorless, and tasteless water. They allow the believer to transition from a state of impurity to a state of purity in order to perform prayer. Here are the steps to follow:

• Intend to purify oneself and recite the basmala "Bismillah", which means "In the name of Allah" in English.
• Wash the hands up to the wrists three times, starting with the right hand.
• Then, rinse the mouth and nostrils three times.
• Wash the face three times, as well as the forearms up to the elbows three times, rubbing between the fingers.
• Rub the scalp with both hands, once. However, it is possible to wipe over the hijab if it covers the neck, according to the Hanbali madhab. Many narratives concerning the wives of the companions support this.
• Clean the ears from the inside out, once.
• Wash the feet up to the ankles, rubbing between each toe, starting with the right foot.
• Conclude by reciting the declaration of faith, Ash-Shahada.

Are ablutions for women similar to those for men?

In this video, you will find the explanation from our noble Sheikh Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy on him.

Ghusl, or major ablution for women

Major ablutions, called ghusl in Arabic, are obligatory in certain specific circumstances, such as after sexual intercourse, an erotic dream, menstruation, or postpartum bleeding. This ritual thus allows for a complete purification of the body and spirit. Here's how to proceed:

• Intend to purify oneself by saying "Bismillah".
• Wash the hands up to the wrists three times.
• Wash the private parts once.
• Perform minor ablutions.
• Pour water over the head and rub the hair to reach the scalp.
• Pour and spread water over the entire body, starting with the right side, then the left side.
• Finally, conclude by reciting the Shahada.

The benefits of this act of purification

Beyond its purifying aspect, ablution for women provides numerous spiritual and physical benefits. According to the hadiths of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, it helps to erase sins and protect on the Day of Judgment. Furthermore, an angel spends the night near whoever falls asleep only after having performed al wudu'. Physically, ablutions promote better bodily hygiene and a feeling of freshness and well-being.

At-Tayammum or dry ablution for women, an alternative in case of water scarcity

In certain situations where water is not available, Islam offers the possibility of performing dry ablution, called tayammum. This method involves striking the ground with the hands and wiping the face and hands up to the wrists, starting with the right hand. Ablution for women is a fundamental act of the Muslim religion. It is specifically one of the conditions for prayer. The absence of this act of purification renders the salat invalid. Moreover, it allows believers to draw closer to Allah and find inner peace.

How to perform ablution when you cannot remove your veil?

When a Muslim woman is unable to remove her veil, she is permitted to pass water over it.

To preserve the modesty of Muslim women, the brand Hijrati has created clothing models that facilitate ablutions for our sisters when they cannot remove their hijab.