What Do I Do If My Wudu Is Taking Me 45 Minutes?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Wudu has become a huge burden upon me, most times taking about 45 minutes. I keep trying different techniques and this has been going on for over 6 months i think, though it seems extremely difficult. Please advise.

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

Washing is that which is normally considered washing, such that: were someone to look at you at that moment in time, they would say that you are ‘washing’ your face/arms/feet.

It is not a condition that one use a single handful of water. However, normally if one takes a handful (using both hands) of water and pours it onto one’s face and rubs, one is considered to have washed one’s face. Ensure that you gently rub your whole face. Repeat this thrice. Then move on.

Remember to begin one’s ablution (wudu) with: [i] the ta`awwudh (`Audhu billahi min al-shaitan al-rajim), and [ii] the basmala (Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim). Thereafter, ignore all doubts and misgivings concerning that which ‘may’ have not been washed, even if they are strong doubts. Realize that they are from the devil. Instead, busy yourself with making dhikr and supplicating during the ablution (wudu).

If you continue to struggle, go to the mosque and watch how other Muslims perform the ablution (wudu) and copy them. Don’t let such misgivings ruin your worship, and take over your life.

Please see:

[1] Key Principles Relating to Certainty, Doubt, and Baseless Misgivings (Waswasa)

[2] Satanic Whisperings (Waswasa) as a Trial from Allah: Punishment or Blessing?

[3] The Ruling and Method of Washing the Feet in Wudu

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani