Chapter on the Description of Ablution (Wudu)

This narration is interpreted as having been conveyed under Taqiyyah (dissimulation), as it aligns with the view of some of the general Muslim community who believe in wiping the entire foot, which contradicts the correct understanding as we have explained. The Shaykh (Al-Mufid), may Allah سبحانه وتعالى support him, said: "It is not permissible for anyone to replace wiping of the feet with washing, nor to substitute wiping of the head with washing, just as it is not permissible to replace the washing of the face and hands with wiping. Each part of Wuduʾ must be performed in its prescribed manner." This is supported by the Quranic verse: "O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe over your heads and your feet up to the ankles." (Surat al-Maʾidah, 5:6). The verse clearly mandates washing for the face and hands and wiping for the head and feet. Whoever wipes where Allah سبحانه وتعالى has commanded washing or washes where Allah سبحانه وتعالى has commanded wiping has not complied with the divine command. Noncompliance with the command does not fulfill the obligation. This is further supported by additional evidence.