Islam focuses greatly on purity and cleanliness, encouraging both spiritual and physical forms of cleanliness. Spiritual purity involves cleansing from shirk (associating partners with Allah) and sins, while physical purity involves removing impurities and filth. Allah has prescribed rituals such as ghusl (full-body cleansing) to maintain individual’s purification from both spiritual and physical impurities. Allah says, “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” (Al-Baqarah: 222)

Wudu (ablution) is a clear demonstration of Islam's attention to personal hygiene. Salah is not accepted without Wudu, as one must stand before Allah with purified body and soul. This process of purification reminds the believer of the actions performed by their tongue, hands, eyes, ears, and feet that may have displeased Allah, prompting repentance and cleansing from sins before standing in Salah. Allah says, “O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.” (Al-Ma'idah: 6)

Grayson Brock, an American influencer who had not yet converted to Islam, read the entire Quran in 18 hours. When asked about “what aspects of Islam surprised or resonated with him the most,” he replied that it was Wudu! He was amazed at how wudu was prescribed to keep an individual clean throughout the day. He admitted that even if he did not fully accept Islam, he would continue to practice its rituals because they are designed to improve one's life, protecting it from harms. ⁽¹⁾

Wudu has many virtues that we often forget about. It is a means for the forgiveness of sins and elevation of ranks. Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates ranks (in Jannah)?” The Companions said; “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah.” He (ﷺ) said, “Performing the Wudu' thoroughly in spite of difficult circumstances.” ⁽²⁾ It also serves as a means for entering Paradise. Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “If one after performing ablution completely recites the following supplication: (Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu) ‘I testify that there is no one worthy of worship but Allah, He is Alone and has no partner and Muhammad (ﷺ) is his slave and Messenger’, all the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him and he may enter through any gate he wishes.” ⁽³⁾

Additionally, Wudu has significant physical and psychological benefits, as demonstrated by modern medical science and studies.

Psychological Effects of Wudu

According to a study published by the Journal of Islamic and Public Health ⁽⁴⁾ at Muhammadiyah University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Wudu reduces stress, keeps the mind sharp, instills a sense of calm and tranquility, and reduces anger. Scholars also emphasized its psychological benefits; Imam Al-Shafi'i said, “Whoever keeps his clothes clean, his worries will be lessened, and whoever has a pleasant scent, his intellect will increase.” ⁽⁵⁾ Dr. Muhammad Othman Najati, a pioneer of Islamic psychology, said, “Cold water soothes the blood's agitation caused by anger, and it helps to relieve muscular and nervous tension. Therefore, bathing was used in the past for psychological treatment.”

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also encouraged performing wudu before sleep, saying, “No servant retires for the night in a state of purity but that an angel resides with him in his bed. Every time he turns about for an hour, the angel says, 'O Allah, forgive your servant, as he has retired in a state of purity.'” ⁽⁶⁾ Studies have shown that washing the body with water before sleep improves sleep quality. ⁽⁷⁾

Physical Effects of Wudu

1. Activating Blood Circulation

Wudu helps activate blood circulation ⁽⁸⁾ because the blood flow to the hands and feet is weaker due to their distance from the heart. Regularly washing these parts during Wudu helps strengthen them by promoting blood flow. Wudu also maintains the health of nerves and veins, as water helps in the contraction and relaxation of capillaries on the skin's surface, regularly dissolving small blood clots.

2. Cleansing the Nose from Bacteria

The practice of rinsing the nose during wudu cleanses it of germs. ⁽⁹⁾ The accumulation of these germs in the nasal mucus can lead to body poisoning. Regular use of cold water in wudu also helps prevent colds and sinus infections.

3. Protecting the Mouth and Teeth

Rinsing the mouth during wudu removes food residues from the mouth and teeth, preventing gum and mouth inflammation and tooth decay. ⁽¹⁰⁾ A clean mouth helps maintain the health of the heart, digestive system, and kidneys by preventing the entry of food residue toxins, thus strengthening the immune system.

4. Preventing Infectious Diseases

Regular hand washing during wudu kills germs that cause certain infectious diseases, ⁽¹¹⁾ such as intestinal infections. This practice strengthens the body's immunity, as proven by many studies and observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, where all health guidelines emphasized frequent hand washing to prevent the virus.

5. Protecting the Eyes and Reducing Facial Wrinkles

Washing the face with water helps reduce wrinkles and maintain its freshness. It also cleanses the eyes of dust and dirt, protecting them from many diseases, such as conjunctivitis.

6. Preventing Skin Diseases

Regular washing of the skin during Wudu cleanses the sweat glands, maintaining body odor and cleanliness. It prevents skin cancer and protects against fungal infections, especially those between the fingers and toes. According to a study by the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, regular Wudu maintains skin cleanliness from bacteria and germs that cause diseases. ⁽¹²⁾

What a great religion Islam is, and what great rituals it has established over 1400 years ago, which modern science has only recently confirmed. Islamic teachings are not just daily practices but a way of life that brings us closer to Allah and provides countless benefits.

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(1) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4poOYqdxzNg

(2) Narrated by Muslim in Riyad as-Salihin (1030)

(3) Narrated by Muslim in Bulugh al-Maram (57)

(4) The Relationship of Wudu with Psychological and Physical health, by Indonesian Journal of Islam and Public Health.

(5) Persuasion in Solving the Words of Abu Shuja’ - Part 1, by Al-Khatib Al-Sherbini.

(6) Hasan (fair) according to Al-Albani in al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr (13456).

(7) National Institutes of Health.

(8) The Fountain Magazine

(9) Skin care: Historical and contemporary views, by Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal.

(10) Ibid.

(11) Ibid.

(12) Ibid.