Source: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Volume 1
Question:
How long does it normally take to complete wudūʾ? I usually finish mine in 1–2 minutes, but a friend of mine—who prays regularly and is very cleanliness-conscious—takes 10 minutes or more for each wudūʾ. When I asked him, he said, “One must feel satisfied.” I responded that taking this long and wasting water is inappropriate. Is my opinion correct?
❖ Ruling:
Your opinion is absolutely correct.
Wudūʾ is generally completed within 1 to 2 minutes. If a person consistently takes 10 minutes or more, this is usually a sign of baseless doubts (waswasah). Frequently repeating actions to feel “satisfied” stems from unnecessary habits, not from the Sunnah.
✿ Wasting Time and Water in Wudūʾ – Islamic Perspective
✔ Wasting Time:
The purpose of wudūʾ is to attain physical and spiritual purity for prayer.
Spending excessive time in wudūʾ without need constitutes wastage of time, which is a valuable divine blessing.
✔ Wastage of Water:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Be moderate in using water—even if you are beside a flowing river.”
(Musnad Aḥmad)
This narration clearly instructs moderation and condemns extravagance, even when water is abundant.
❖ Whisperings (Waswasah) and Doubts
Waswasah (baseless doubts) is a known trick of Shayṭān to hinder and disturb a believer’s worship.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whisperings in wudūʾ are from Shayṭān, so avoid them.”
Such people fall prey to unnecessary repetition, which disrupts their focus and causes anxiety.
✿ Understanding and Treating Obsessive Behavior
People who excessively repeat wudūʾ steps may be suffering from obsessive thoughts (waswasah). They should:
➤ Consult a qualified scholar or medical expert.
➤ Perform wudūʾ in accordance with the Sunnah and develop balance in practice.
➤ Have conviction that washing each limb once, as the Prophet ﷺ taught, is sufficient.
❖ Sunnah Method of Performing Wudūʾ
✔ The Prophet ﷺ washed each limb once, twice, or three times—no more.
✔ Avoid excessive repetitions.
✔ Perform wudūʾ with ease and balance.
❖ Conclusion: Respect the Blessings of Time and Water
➊ Avoid unnecessary delays and water wastage in wudūʾ.
➋ Don’t allow baseless “satisfaction” to open the door to waswasah.
➌ Follow the Sunnah method of wudūʾ and value the blessings of time and water.
والله أعلم بالصواب
