Khushu (mindfulness)

 

𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘

There is a common question often posted on social media to test suspected trolls and charlatans claiming to possess knowledge on Islam... "how many Rakaats in Wudhu?" If you are scratching your head at this question, then the rest of this post will not be of any value to you. As for those laughing 🤣 What if the questioner turned to you and asked the following question "How many compulsory acts in Wudhu?" What would be the reaction, realistically and honestly speaking 🤐 There is nothing more satisfying in Islam other than worshipping and engaging in devotional acts towards Allah with sound and clear Knowledge. We are not talking about speculative and subjective debates that delve into the theological branches of higher learning regarding the essence of Allah or the various details pertaining to the descriptions of His attributes. No, we are talking about knowing how to make valid Wudhu and being able to distinguish between a pillar or Salah and it's supplementary components. We are talking about knowing what makes Fasting compulsory and what extenuating circumstances will exempt an individual from having to compensate for a missed day. The basics. As you begin another blessed day in your life's journey, you should ask yourself the following question If I died today and was brought before Allah for judgement. Were He to ask me the following "Can you explain why the Wudhu you performed for 40 years was valid, based on sound evidence from the numerous teachers and texts that I made available to you?" Assuming that you have some understanding of the actions in Wudhu and the general nullifiers. What if after explaining all that you know, Allah asks you "Are you SURE?" based on your current level of knowledge, would you be comfortable to give an assertive answer to this question? Are you fully satisfied with what you know concerning the validity and nullifiers of Wudhu? For many of us, the truth is that just reading this makes us feel uneasy. Wudhu (and Tayammum) being a basic and elementary component of worship, without which there is not a single prayer acceptable to Allah. From which Text or Teacher is your knowledge of Wudhu derived? Can you with confidence point to a particular manual, method and teacher to explain every single component of your Wudhu? Do you know how many obligatory components there are in your Wudhu? If pressed, could you name each one? Do you know all of the conditions, causes and components (there is a difference with each category) nullifies your Wudhu? If your life depended on it right now, could you identify each one? We are often very hasty in engaging in debates and arguments over lofty matters pertaining to who is a rightly guided and which group is astray , however - what is incumbent and far more urgent upon the individual Muslims (Fard 'Ayn) is to seek that fundamental level of knowledge that will enable him to perform Wudhu with perfect reassurance that each and every action is evidenced. There is nothing more satisfying and reassuring than performing Wudhu and offering prayer with reassurance that if your life depended on it, you could easily and confidently break every single component and explain it with knowledge and it's appropriate sources. This is truly where Khushu (mindfulness) and intentional worship commences. It only gets more enjoyable and valuable the more knowledge you add to it This knowledge is readily accessible for those of sound intent to learn. Every school of thought has a basic introductory primer that covers all the principles of Wudhu and Salah. It can be learned (and even memorised) in a couple of weeks. The question is. What is stopping anyone of us from seeking this beneficial and mandatory knowledge? Why are we engaged in futile arguments and disputes concerning elevated and advanced themes that only create more division and distraction from within the Ummah. Do you even know if you have a set methodology or school for Wudhu? Or are you following a mish-mash of opinions gathered through several different lectures you heard on YouTube, delivered by teachers using various different books the names and authors of which you have no clue about? If this is your situation. Please, make the time to accomplish this very important task. Learn how to make Wudhu and understand the Salah with Knowledge and the ability to cite it's sources, teachers and traditions. Don't wing it, all of your acts of devotion are contingent on this.