Some scholars say that the order of the parts of wudu' is a recommended practice (sunnah) and not obligatory?
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The Shaykh : Yes?
The questioner : Shaykh, may Allah reward you.
The Shaykh : Yes
The questioner : Some scholars say that the order of the parts of wudu' is a recommended practice (sunnah) and not obligatory, O Shaykh. Why is it that one...?
The Shaykh : I mean, if he washes his feet, then wipes his head, then washes his hands, then washes his face, is that sufficient for him?
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Huh?
The questioner : They said that this is sufficient for him.
The Shaykh : Is it sufficient for him?
The questioner : Yes, it is sufficient for him.
The Shaykh : Glory be to Allah!
The questioner : ... that ... is a recommended practice (sunnah). The recommended practice (sunnah) is the order, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : A recommended practice (sunnah)?
The questioner : The recommended practice (sunnah) ... is the order, because it was not reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he performed wudu' out of order.
The Shaykh : If it were reported regarding the face and the head, on the condition that there is a possibility that he forgot, but the original state is that he did not forget, yet it was not reported. And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said when he turned toward al-Safa:Sahih Muslim 1218a What if he had started from al-Marwah? And he said that the matter is on the basis of recommendation? Answer?
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : That is enough, praise be to Allah.
The questioner : ... the obligation
The Shaykh : Perhaps we say that the order is dropped due to forgetfulness, because this is a defect in an attribute, not in the essence. I mean, if a person forgot a pillar, he would be required to perform it, but this is not the case. I mean, if it were said that it is dropped due to forgetfulness, as some scholars said, the matter would be easier.
The questioner : Shaykh, may Allah reward you.
The Shaykh : Yes
The questioner : Some scholars say that the order of the parts of wudu' is a recommended practice (sunnah) and not obligatory, O Shaykh. Why is it that one...?
The Shaykh : I mean, if he washes his feet, then wipes his head, then washes his hands, then washes his face, is that sufficient for him?
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Huh?
The questioner : They said that this is sufficient for him.
The Shaykh : Is it sufficient for him?
The questioner : Yes, it is sufficient for him.
The Shaykh : Glory be to Allah!
The questioner : ... that ... is a recommended practice (sunnah). The recommended practice (sunnah) is the order, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : A recommended practice (sunnah)?
The questioner : The recommended practice (sunnah) ... is the order, because it was not reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he performed wudu' out of order.
The Shaykh : If it were reported regarding the face and the head, on the condition that there is a possibility that he forgot, but the original state is that he did not forget, yet it was not reported. And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said when he turned toward al-Safa:
I begin with what Allah (has commanded me) to begin
أبدأ بما بدأ الله بهThe questioner : ...
The Shaykh : That is enough, praise be to Allah.
The questioner : ... the obligation
The Shaykh : Perhaps we say that the order is dropped due to forgetfulness, because this is a defect in an attribute, not in the essence. I mean, if a person forgot a pillar, he would be required to perform it, but this is not the case. I mean, if it were said that it is dropped due to forgetfulness, as some scholars said, the matter would be easier.