Sometimes when I need to take a bath, I feel worried that I have not done everything properly. The other day, as I was drying myself after a shower, I thought that I had not properly washed my eyes, so I repeated my shower. Then on the second occasion I felt that I did not properly clean my nose. Such matters give me trouble and I am not sure how meticulous one should be. In a situation of this type, could I have washed my eyes or nose after I had finished and put on my clothes?
I. Khan
What you are experiencing is a case of obsessive thoughts, which is experienced by many people who are normally keen to do things right. When it comes to religious duties, they are extra careful. Hence, they develop such an attitude, which gives them much trouble.
What is important to realize is that in matters of worship the intention is more important than the form. Thus, a person who knows very little of the Qur’an may use what he knows in all his prayers. His prayers are not in any way less valid than the one who knows the whole of the Qur’an by heart. Both have the same intention of doing their prayers in fulfillment of their duty outlined by God and clearly set out by the Prophet. When a person does his ablution, or wudhu, he is required to wash his face, arms and feet, and to wipe his head with his wet hand. Take the case of washing one’s face. All one must do is to have his cupped hands full of water and wash his face with that water. He is meant to wash all his face. Yet it may happen that a small part of it is missed. This does not affect the validity of the ablution. One of my teachers used to point out to us: “God says: wash your faces. Is there a single person in the world who does not know how to wash his or her face? However they do it is acceptable.” Likewise, in the case of grand ablution, or ghusl. If you stand under the shower and go over your body with your hands as the water is coming down, you have fulfilled your duty. You must not start thinking: have I done this, or was that done properly. If you do, there will be no end of such thoughts. Indeed the Prophet clearly indicated that such thoughts must be shunned.
Yet in many cases, shunning such obsessive thoughts is easier said than done. A person who has been giving in to such thoughts will find it difficult to escape from them. The only way is to go against them with determination. Take the example you have given me. When the thought that you have not washed your eyes properly occurs to you, you should say to yourself: “Of course I washed them. Most certainly I washed them well.” Then you should actually put on your clothes and perform your prayers. If thoughts that your prayer is invalid because of your improper shower occur to you, you do not listen to them. Rather, you should totally banish them. You must not in any case repeat that prayer. If you do this for a few days or a few times, you will rid yourself of such thoughts and you will find that your life is much easier. Remember always that God does not want to afflict us in any way.