The Practising Muslim · Fiqh of Purification

Purification Practices in Islam

Explore key purification rituals and teachings from Islamic traditions.

8 questions · Medium · about 5 minutes

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1. Can someone wipe over socks during wudu after madhiy comes out?

  • Yes, if the socks were put on while in a state of purity. (correct answer)
  • No, because madhiy requires ghusl.
  • Only if the person is traveling.
  • Only if water is unavailable.

Why

Madhiy is impure and invalidates wudu. The traces of madhiy must be washed from the affected part of the body, and then wudu is done. During that wudu, wiping over socks is allowed if the socks were put on while in a state of purity.

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2. What is the preferred way to wipe over socks during wudu?

  • Wipe both socks together, right hand on right foot and left hand on left foot. (correct answer)
  • Wipe both socks with both hands on one foot at a time.
  • Wipe the left sock before the right in every case.
  • Wipe only the soles of the socks.

Why

The preferred Sunnah method is to wipe both socks together. However, this is not obligatory; wiping one foot and then the other is still acceptable, though it differs from what is preferable when one is able.

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3. What is safer if someone washes the right foot, puts on the right sock, then washes the left foot?

  • Remove the right sock and put it back on after washing the left foot. (correct answer)
  • Keep the right sock on because each foot was washed before its sock.
  • Wipe over the socks with no concern for the order.
  • Repeat ghusl before wearing the socks.

Why

To wipe over socks, they should be put on after complete purification. The safer view is that a person should not put on one sock before completing the washing of both feet. If they did so, they should remove the first sock and put it back on after washing the other foot.

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4. What is part of the more complete way of doing ghusl from janaabah?

  • Begin on the right side when washing the body. (correct answer)
  • Skip rinsing the mouth and nose.
  • Delay washing the whole body until after prayer.
  • Wash only the head three times.

Why

The sufficient ghusl is to make water reach the whole body with the proper intention, including the mouth and nose. The more complete way includes washing the hands, doing wudu, pouring water over the head, washing the whole body, and beginning with the right side.

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5. When does semen make ghusl obligatory?

  • When semen comes out, even if it is only a small amount. (correct answer)
  • When a person feels desire but nothing comes out.
  • When a person merely prevents ejaculation.
  • When a person only thinks about desire.

Why

If semen moves because of desire but nothing comes out, ghusl is not required according to the more correct view mentioned. But if semen is emitted because of desire, ghusl becomes obligatory, even if only a small amount comes out.

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6. Why could the Prophet ﷺ sometimes pray without renewing wudu after sleeping?

  • His eyes slept, but his heart did not. (correct answer)
  • Sleep never invalidates anyone's wudu.
  • He was always traveling when that happened.
  • He was not required to pray with wudu.

Why

This was a special matter for the Prophet ﷺ. His heart did not sleep, so he would have been aware if his wudu had been broken.

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7. What is the ruling on adding invented phrases or actions to wudu as acts of worship?

  • They should be avoided because worship must follow what is prescribed. (correct answer)
  • They are encouraged because they show extra devotion.
  • They are required if a person is sincere.
  • They replace the need for intention in the heart.

Why

Acts of worship must be based on what Allah and His Messenger ﷺ prescribed. Speaking the intention aloud or adding extra invented practices to wudu is not part of the Prophet's guidance and should be avoided.

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8. If someone did not know that madhiy invalidates wudu and prayed in that state, what is the ruling on those past prayers?

  • They are valid according to the more correct view because the person was unaware. (correct answer)
  • They must all be repeated in every case.
  • They are valid only if the person was traveling.
  • They are invalid unless ghusl was done after each prayer.

Why

Madhiy is impure and invalidates wudu, so after learning the ruling a person should wash the affected area and renew wudu. But if they previously did not know that madhiy invalidates wudu, the source states that their past prayers are valid according to the more correct view because they were excused due to ignorance.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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