Rasulullah (saw) said , Tahoor (to purify oneself) is half of faith.
Primarilt there are two categories of Hadas (impurities). 1- Hadas-e-Akbar
(major) 2- Hadas-e-Asghar (minor).
Hadas-e-Akbar is that impurity which requires one to make ghusl(take a
bath), for example, after having a wet dream or sexual intercourse with ones
wife. There are three requirements in order for the ghusl to be valid.
1. Rinse the mouth.
2. Rinse the nostrils.
3. Wet the entire body.
Hadas-e-Asghar is that impurity which requires one to perform
wudhu(ablution) for example, after relieving oneself from the call of
nature(urinating etc.) Wudhu is necessary before performing salaah. There are
four faraaidh(obligations) in wudhu.
1. To wash the entire face.
2. To wash the hands until and including the elbows.
3. To wipe the head.
4. To wash the feet until and including the ankles.
The sunnat method of performing wudhu is explained by our beloved prophet
and many sahaba as follows.
1. Wash the hands till the wrist three times.
2. Rinse the mouth three times.
3. Rinse the nostrils three times.
4. Wash the entire face once .
5. Wash the hands till the elbows three times commencing with the right hand.
6. Make khilal of the fingers. Khilal is to pass the wet fingers of both
hands into one another.
7. Make masah of the entire head.
8. Make masah of the nape(back of the neck)
9. Wash both feet three times commencing with the right foot.
10. Make khilal of the toes with the last finger of the right hand.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti E. Desai