Give an account of the conditions required for ablution (wudu) and the method of performing it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Wudu is the foremost requisite before prayers and the Prophet's sunnah gives Muslims the details of the conditions and method of wudu to follow. Candidates could give the following in their answer. Conditions of wudu: • Intention should be made. • Entire wudu should be in a continuous process without a break, no part should be allowed to dry before the other is washed. • It should be done in the prescribed order. • Washing should start from the right side then left. • No part should remain dry. • It is recommended to brush ones teeth or use miswak before or after wudu.
2. Method of wudu: • Wash both hands up to wrist. • Gargle three times. • Sniff in water with nostril using right hand, use left hand to clean nose. • Wash the whole face with both hands from the forehead to the chin and from lobe of one ear to the other. • Wash the right arm then the left arm up to the elbow. • Wet the hand and perform masah by wiping hand on one fourth of the head, both ears are cleansed inside and outside, the thumb is used to wipe the back of the ear and the index finger is used for the inside, and the back of the two hands are passed on the nape of the neck. • The right then the left foot is washed up to the ankle. Allow for variations according to the different schools of legal thinking.
3. Purity is given utmost importance in Islam. Candidates could in their answers say that God has repeatedly enjoined people to purify themselves in Al-Baqarah 2:222 God says, 'Allah loves those who repent and purify themselves'. The Prophet said 'purity is half of faith'. Another reason that can be put forward is that the Prophet said that wudu removes the sins of a person and that purifying oneself allows one to focus on God when in prayer. Candidates could discuss one or more reasons to answer this question.