Rakats in Wudu: What You Need to Know About Islamic Purification

The topic of rakats in wudu is an important one. I mention this because some Muslims need clarification about it. They consider that rakats and wudu are two interrelated concepts. But is that true?

Regardless of your reason for opening this article, I am sure you are seeking an explanation of rakats and wudu. Don't worry! That's what I will explain today. Additionally, I will cover some important aspects related to it. So, you just need to read this article to the end!

The Meaning of Wudu You Must Understand

Hi! Now I will explain the meaning of wudu, which you must grasp first to understand the main topic of this discussion. Some Muslims do not fully understand this concept, and I'm sure you don't want to be one of them.

Read Also: What Types of Farts Break Wudu?

Literally, wudu means self-purification (الطَّهَارَةُ). In essence, wudu involves actions aimed at purifying oneself from things that are considered detrimental to purity. In Islam, anything that can break purity is referred to as hadas (الحَدَثُ).

Hadas (الحَدَثُ) is an impure state for a Muslim. It cannot be seen, touched, or heard because it pertains to the condition of a Muslim's body. In Islam, there are two types of hadas: minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ) and major hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَكْبَرُ).

Minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ) is an unclean state for a Muslim that can be removed by performing wudu. If a person cannot perform wudu, they may perform tayammum to purify themselves. In other words, wudu is the primary and most important way to eliminate minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ), while tayammum serves as an alternative.

Major hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَكْبَرُ) is an impure state for a Muslim that requires Ghusl Janabah (غُسْلُ الْجَنَابَةِ) for removal. Ghusl Janabah (غُسْلُ الْجَنَابَةِ) is a ritual bath performed with the intention of removing major hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَكْبَرُ), requiring the washing of the entire body. If a person cannot perform Ghusl Janabah (غُسْلُ الْجَنَابَةِ), they may perform tayammum as a substitute. Similar to the method of eliminating minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ), Ghusl Janabah is the primary method, while tayammum is an alternative.

As for the meaning of wudu in Islam, it can be summarized in the two definitions below:

اِسْتِعْمَالُ الْمَاءِ فِيْ أَعْضَاءٍ مَخْصُوْصَةٍ مُفَتَّتَحًا بِنِيَّةٍ

Using water on certain parts of the body that begins with the intention.

التَعَبُّدُ لِلَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِغَسْلِ أَعْضَاءٍ مَخْصُوْصَةٍ، عَلَى صِفَةٍ مَخْصُوْصَةٍ

Worship Allah Azza wa Jalla by washing certain parts of the body in a specific manner.

Hi! If you understand the two definitions of wudu above, you can conclude that wudu involves using water in a specific way and with a particular intention as an act of worship to Allah. Specifically, it consists of washing and wiping various parts of the body to remove minor hadas (الحَدَثُ الأَصْغَرُ) as an obligation and form of worship to Allah.

The Meaning of Rakats You Must Understand

Are you still with me? Now, I will explain the meaning of rakats, which you must understand. This understanding is essential because it is the second keyword in this discussion, and it will help you grasp the main topic.

In simple terms, you can find the meaning of rakats in the explanation below:

الرَّكَعَاتُ هِيَ : أَقْوَالٌ وَأَفْعَالٌ مَخْصُوْصَةٌ ، فِيْ الدِّيْنِ الْإِسْلَامِيِّ ، تَتَكَوَّنُ مِنْهَا الصَّلَاةُ ، وَكَيْفِيَتُهَا مُحَدَّدَةٌ بِاتِّبَاعِ الشَّرْعِ

Rakats are certain sayings and movements in Islam that are components of prayer, and the method of performing them is determined by following the sharia.

In general, if you understand the definition of rakats as quoted above, you can conclude that rakats are the parts of prayer. They are specific sayings and movements performed during prayer in a manner prescribed in Islam.

As a Muslim, you should know that the Fajr prayer consists of 2 rakats, while Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha have 4 rakats, and Maghrib has 3 rakats. Rakats are integral components of prayer that cannot be separated. That's what rakats are.

Are There Rakats in Wudu?

Now, I will explain the last thing you must understand well. This is the main topic of this discussion. I hope you grasp the explanation below so that you won’t have any further questions about it after reading this article. However, if you still have other questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments! I would be very happy to engage in a dialogue.

Pay close attention to the two main points below!

In the previous paragraphs, I explained that wudu involves washing certain parts of the body in a specific way, with a particular niyyah and purpose. Wudu is performed before prayer, assuming that Muslims perform it as a condition for praying. Additionally, I have already explained that rakats are the components of prayer. That’s why rakats are performed during prayer.

The first conclusion you should understand is that wudu is performed before prayer, whereas rakats are performed during prayer.

Now, are there rakats in wudu?

Of course, the answer to this question is "No." There are no rakats in wudu. The reason is that they are two different entities. Wudu involves washing and wiping several parts of the body before prayer, while rakats consist of the utterances and movements performed during prayer.

Do you have a question? Please write in the comments!