Purification (wudu)

An important facet of Islamic spiritual practice is the act of ritual purification called wudu.

The outward aspect of wudu is the washing of the hands, feet, and head. There is an obvious health benefit to the frequent cleansing of the limbs and face that played a significant part in the development of Islamic culture. While disease was rampant in areas of Europe where bathing was seen as unhealthy and even "against God", the same was not true in the Islamic world with its emphasis on personal and social cleanliness.

As important as this is to society, the main significance of wudu is found in Spiritual purification. Through the intent to make oneself spiritually clean that is an integral part of wudu we "wash away" the accumulated dross of negativity and ego focus that is the outcome of daily life.

With the removal of spiritual impurity through wudu we are more able to re-focus our attention on God. The Sufi sees the act of wudu as making oneself fit to visit The Beloved.

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