What is the sufficient amount for performing deeds in Sharia, especially in Wudu (ablution), to avoid obsessive whispering (waswasah) without falling into negligence?
The obsessive thoughts that afflict a person are from the wiles of Satan. To repel them, one must frequently engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and istighfar (seeking forgiveness), and not pay attention to them or give in to them, and contradict what they call for. So, if an obsessive thought about wudu' (ablution) comes and commands to rewash a limb or prolong the washing, one should not pay attention to it and complete the wudu'. One must learn the guidance of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, regarding purification and other matters. The minimum sufficient wudu' is washing the limb once, while three times is better. Any increase beyond that is considered disliked (makruh) by the majority of scholars.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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