Ritual Cleansing

Ritual ablution is a necessary part of preparation for prayer.   At both Grand Mosques (Oman and Abu Dhabi) that we visited there are large fountain type washing stations.   In Oman there were little granite stools in front of each spigot.   We were able to observe the process at a men’s washing area at the Grand Mosque in Oman.  Women often wash at home but if it is at the mosque then it is in a separate private area.   Our Oman guide actually performed the washing for us to see how it was done.   Here is the process:

Wash the right hand and then the left hand, three times each. Then wash the mouth three times and splash water into the nose three times, then wash the face; one time is acceptable, though many wash it three times. Next, wash the right arm, then the left. After washing the hair, Muslims wipe it down and then wash the back of the ears, then the right foot and left foot.