Juz 6: An-Nisāʾ 148 to Al-Māʾidah 81
Section 11 of 16 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Purity and Ritual Cleansing | Verses: Al-Ma'idah 5:6
After establishing the framework for pure food and lawful transactions, Allah (swt) transitions to the integral concept of physical purification. The Islamic faith places tremendous emphasis on purity (tahara) in all its forms—purity in transactions, in relationships, in consumption, and in one's physical state. This holistic approach to purity underscores Islam's comprehensive nature as a way of life that addresses every aspect of human existence.
In verse 6 of Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah (swt) establishes the foundations of ritual purification:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ فَاغْسِلُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَامْسَحُوا بِرُءُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ
“O you who believe, when you rise for Salāh, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, and make masḥ (wiping by hands) of your heads and (wash) your feet up to the ankles.”
This verse establishes the ritual ablution (wudu) that Muslims must perform before prayer. It systematically outlines the parts of the body to be washed: the face, the hands up to the elbows, wiping the head, and washing the feet up to the ankles. This purification ritual serves as a physical preparation for the spiritual communion with Allah (swt) through prayer.
The verse continues by addressing situations when water might not be available:
وَإِن كُنتُمْ جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَّرُوا ۚ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَىٰ أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاءَ أَحَدٌ مِّنكُم مِّنَ الْغَائِطِ أَوْ لَامَسْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوا مَاءً فَتَيَمَّمُوا صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُوا بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ
“If you are in a state of major impurity, purify yourselves well. If you are sick, or on a journey, or if one of you has come after relieving himself, or you have had sexual contact with women, and you find no water, then, resort to clean earth, and wipe your faces and hands with it.”
Here, Allah (swt) introduces the concept of tayammum, which is the use of clean earth or dust as a substitute for water when it is unavailable or when using water might cause harm (such as in the case of illness). This dispensation reflects the mercy of Allah (swt) and His desire to make religious practice accessible and practicable for all believers in all circumstances.
The wisdom behind this alternative method of purification is explicitly stated in the concluding portion of the verse:
مَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيَجْعَلَ عَلَيْكُم مِّنْ حَرَجٍ وَلَٰكِن يُرِيدُ لِيُطَهِّرَكُمْ وَلِيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
“Allah does not intend to impose any hardship on you; rather He intends to purify you and to perfect His favor upon you, so that you may be grateful.”
This statement beautifully encapsulates the divine purpose behind these ritual purification laws. Allah (swt) does not wish to burden His servants with impracticable obligations. Instead, these laws are established for the spiritual and physical benefit of the believers, designed to purify them and complete Allah's favor upon them.
The institution of tayammum is particularly significant as it demonstrates Islam's practicality. While purity is essential, Allah (swt) provides alternatives when the primary means of purification is unavailable. This teaches believers that Allah (swt) desires ease for them, not hardship.
Through these rituals of purification, Muslims are reminded of the importance of approaching Allah (swt) in a state of cleanliness, both physical and spiritual. The external act of washing serves as a reminder to cleanse oneself internally from sins and impurities of the heart. Just as one removes physical impurities before prayer, one should similarly strive to remove spiritual impurities through repentance and good deeds.