like a separate limb. The answer is that they are wiped together with the head in a single act; therefore, they are not a separate limb.

The Second and Third Washings

His statement, “The second and third washings,” means that the second and third washings are among the recommended acts of ablution. The first washing is obligatory, due to Allah’s saying:

“Wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows; wipe your heads; and wash your feet up to the ankles.” [al-Ma’idah 5:6]

The second is more complete, and the third more complete still, because they achieve a greater degree of cleansing.

It is authentically reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, that he performed ablution by washing each limb once (1), twice (2), and three times (3).

He also performed ablution with differing numbers of washings: he washed his face three times, his hands twice, and his feet once (4).

Some scholars considered it disliked to vary the number of washings among the limbs (5),