Come Clean

In the name of Allah; Most-gracious, Most-merciful.

Peace be with you السلام عليكم

All good therein is from Allah and there are no shortcomings but my own.

Indeed, it has been among the traits of the righteous to get ready for Salah as

one gets ready to meet a special friend. And, why must not it be so, for Allah is Most-loving and High above all. It is only fitting that we approach Him in a manner that befits His Majesty.

”High above all is allah, the King, the Truth!” (20:114)

“And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Full of Loving-Kindness” (85:114)

Purity is a cardinal feature of the Islamic creed and the true purpose of ablution is not merely cleansing one’s body parts but it is to cleanse and purify one’s entire being. Which implies that not only must your body be pure but your intentions, spirit and mind should all be directed towards Allah alone. It is such a remembrance that will purify your soul preceding your meeting with Allah in Salah.

Whilst performing Wudu, repeat the Shahadah (La illaaha il allah, Muhammad ur rasool Allah) at every step. Remember that instead of just mechanically repeating the words you should focus on the beautiful declaration that you’re reciting. That is, when washing your forearms, tell yourself that you’re not going to disobey Allah with your hands, i.e. you’re going to make sure that other human beings are safe from your hands and that you will not use your hands to perform any ill. Whilst rinsing your mouth, remind yourself that Allah has blessed you with a tongue; show gratefulness to Him by abstaining from harsh words and instead using your tongue to invoke blessings and utter kind words.

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr: The Prophet said, “A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. and a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who gives up (abandons) all what Allah has forbidden. (Book #2, Hadith #9)”

Similarly, as you pass wet palms over your head and the back of your neck, let yourself know that you will try to be strong and will shun any negative thoughts that cross your mind. As you wash your face, let water into your eyes and resolve to lower your gaze and avoid seeing anything that’s inappropriate in the Sight of Allah.

“Say: it is He Who has created you, and endowed you with hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts. Little thanks it is you give.” (67:23)

With water dripping down your face, beseech Allah that your face shines like the faces of the Righteous Ones on the Day of Judgement. While you blow your nose and rinse your nostrils remind yourself that it is Allah (swt.) who gave you life and that it is upon His command that you will cease to exist – what if these were your last breaths of life, would you not want to breathe them for the sake of Allah, Most-High?

And as you wash your feet, let yourself know that you’re not going to walk any path that leads to the disobedience of your Lord.

After you’re done performing the Wudhu, recite the Ayat Al Kursi once and proceed to Prayer. Insha’allah,your Salah will be empty of worldly worries and temptations but instead be full of a beautiful devotion to your Creator. After you’re done with prayer, recite “Rabbana Taqabbal Minna” (My Lord, accept this of me).

Allah is Pure and loves those who aim to purify themselves. Even so, it is highly desirable that a servant of Allah always tries to stay in a state of wudhu.

May Allah increase our faith and allow us all to draw ever-closer to our Guardian-Lord, Allah. Amin, Summa-Amin.

By: Shahraiz Tabassam, The Shepherd | Feedback: shahraiz30(at)hotmail.com

Shahraiz Read my Eman blog.