Rakats in Wudu: What You Need to Know About Islamic Purification
The topic of rakats in wudu is an important one. I mention this because some Muslims need clarification about it. They consider that rakats and wudu are two interrelated concepts. But is that true?
Regardless of your reason for opening this article, I am sure you are seeking an explanation of rakats and wudu. Don't worry! That's what I will explain today. Additionally, I will cover some important aspects related to it. So, you just need to read this article to the end!
The Meaning of Wudu You Must Understand
Hi! Now I will explain the meaning of wudu, which you must grasp first to understand the main topic of this discussion. Some Muslims do not fully understand this concept, and I'm sure you don't want to be one of them.
Read Also: What Types of Farts Break Wudu?
Literally, wudu means self-purification (الطَّهَارَةُ). In essence, wudu involves actions aimed at purifying oneself from things that are considered detrimental to purity. In Islam, anything that can break purity is referred to as hadas (الحَدَثُ).
Hadas (الحَدَثُ) is an impure state for a Muslim. It cannot be seen, touched, or heard because it pertains to the condition of a Muslim's body. In Islam, there are two types of hadas: minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ) and major hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَكْبَرُ).
Minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ) is an unclean state for a Muslim that can be removed by performing wudu. If a person cannot perform wudu, they may perform tayammum to purify themselves. In other words, wudu is the primary and most important way to eliminate minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ), while tayammum serves as an alternative.
Major hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَكْبَرُ) is an impure state for a Muslim that requires Ghusl Janabah (غُسْلُ الْجَنَابَةِ) for removal. Ghusl Janabah (غُسْلُ الْجَنَابَةِ) is a ritual bath performed with the intention of removing major hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَكْبَرُ), requiring the washing of the entire body. If a person cannot perform Ghusl Janabah (غُسْلُ الْجَنَابَةِ), they may perform tayammum as a substitute. Similar to the method of eliminating minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ), Ghusl Janabah is the primary method, while tayammum is an alternative.
As for the meaning of wudu in Islam, it can be summarized in the two definitions below:
اِسْتِعْمَالُ الْمَاءِ فِيْ أَعْضَاءٍ مَخْصُوْصَةٍ مُفَتَّتَحًا بِنِيَّةٍ
Using water on certain parts of the body that begins with the intention.
التَعَبُّدُ لِلَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِغَسْلِ أَعْضَاءٍ مَخْصُوْصَةٍ، عَلَى صِفَةٍ مَخْصُوْصَةٍ
Worship Allah Azza wa Jalla by washing certain parts of the body in a specific manner.
Hi! If you understand the two definitions of wudu above, you can conclude that wudu involves using water in a specific way and with a particular intention as an act of worship to Allah. Specifically, it consists of washing and wiping various parts of the body to remove minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ) as an obligation and form of worship to Allah.
The Meaning of Rakats You Must Understand
Are you still with me? Now, I will explain the meaning of rakats, which you must understand. This understanding is essential because it is the second keyword in this discussion, and it will help you grasp the main topic.
In simple terms, you can find the meaning of rakats in the explanation below:
الرَّكَعَاتُ هِيَ : أَقْوَالٌ وَأَفْعَالٌ مَخْصُوْصَةٌ ، فِيْ الدِّيْنِ الْإِسْلَامِيِّ ، تَتَكَوَّنُ مِنْهَا الصَّلَاةُ ، وَكَيْفِيَتُهَا مُحَدَّدَةٌ بِاتِّبَاعِ الشَّرْعِ
Rakats are certain sayings and movements in Islam that are components of prayer, and the method of performing them is determined by following the sharia.
In general, if you understand the definition of rakats as quoted above, you can conclude that rakats are the parts of prayer. They are specific sayings and movements performed during prayer in a manner prescribed in Islam.
As a Muslim, you should know that the Fajr prayer consists of 2 rakats, while Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha have 4 rakats, and Maghrib has 3 rakats. Rakats are integral components of prayer that cannot be separated. That's what rakats are.
Are There Rakats in Wudu?
Now, I will explain the last thing you must understand well. This is the main topic of this discussion. I hope you grasp the explanation below so that you won’t have any further questions about it after reading this article. However, if you still have other questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments! I would be very happy to engage in a dialogue.
Pay close attention to the two main points below!
In the previous paragraphs, I explained that wudu involves washing certain parts of the body in a specific way, with a particular niyyah and purpose. Wudu is performed before prayer, assuming that Muslims perform it as a condition for praying. Additionally, I have already explained that rakats are the components of prayer. That’s why rakats are performed during prayer.
The first conclusion you should understand is that wudu is performed before prayer, whereas rakats are performed during prayer.
Now, are there rakats in wudu?
Of course, the answer to this question is "No." There are no rakats in wudu. The reason is that they are two different entities. Wudu involves washing and wiping several parts of the body before prayer, while rakats consist of the utterances and movements performed during prayer.
Do you have a question? Please write in the comments!
8 comments for "Rakats in Wudu: What You Need to Know About Islamic Purification"
Your article is very informative. Thank you for writing this article.
Thank you for reading this article.
Regards,
I found the section on the definitions of minor and major hadas particularly helpful, as it highlights the importance of understanding the purity required for acts of worship. The detailed explanation of wudu as a means of self-purification and its role in preparing for prayer beautifully emphasizes its spiritual significance. Additionally, your step-by-step clarification about rakats, including their role within salah and the differences between them and wudu, left no room for confusion.
This article is not only informative but also engaging, making it easy for readers to grasp even the most complex ideas. It reflects a deep understanding of Islamic teachings and succeeds in educating the audience in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
Thank you again for such a wonderful contribution to Islamic knowledge. Articles like this encourage deeper reflection and help strengthen one’s faith and practice. May Allah bless you for your efforts and guide others to benefit from your work. I’ll definitely share this with others to help spread the understanding!
Thank you for reading this article.
Warm regards.
The explanation of wudu, including its definition and the types of hadas it purifies, is incredibly thorough. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of Arabic terms and their meanings, as it adds a scholarly touch while making the concepts more precise. The detailed discussion of rakats and their integral role in prayer was equally enlightening. By explaining that rakats are performed during prayer and wudu is a prerequisite for prayer, the article eliminates any confusion about their relationship.
The structure of the article is commendable, as it guides the reader step by step from understanding wudu and rakats to addressing the central question of whether rakats exist in wudu. This logical flow makes the content easy to follow and ensures that readers grasp the main points effortlessly.
I want to thank the author for such a well-researched and beautifully written article. It's clear that much effort went into crafting this content, and it truly reflects a deep understanding of Islamic teachings. As a reader, I feel more confident in my understanding of these concepts, and I believe this article will benefit many Muslims seeking clarity. May Allah reward the author abundantly for spreading beneficial knowledge.
I look forward to reading more articles like this. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for reading this article.
Warm regards.
It's reassuring to read an article that not only answers my questions but also explains things in a way that's easy to understand. The use of simple language and step-by-step explanations is incredibly valuable for someone like me who is still learning. I feel much more confident now in understanding the relationship between wudu and rakats. Thank you for taking the time to explain this in such a clear and accessible way. May Allah bless you for your efforts in spreading knowledge.
Thank you for reading this article.
Warm regards.