What is meant here by the obligatory elements of ablution is its pillars.

From this we learn that the scholars may vary their terminology, referring to obligatory elements as pillars and pillars as obligatory elements.

The evidence that the obligatory elements mentioned here are pillars is that they are the elements from which the essential reality of ablution is constituted. Every statement or act from which the essential reality of an act of worship is constituted is a pillar.

Linguistically, ablution is derived from waḍāʾah, meaning cleanliness and beauty.

In the Sacred Law, it means worshipping Allah by washing the four limbs in a specified manner.

If it is asked: “This definition is not sound, for you said, ‘by washing the limbs,’ whereas the head is not washed,” the answer is that this is an instance of referring to the whole by the predominant part.

His statement, “and its manner,” is coordinated with “its obligatory elements,” not with “ablution”; that is, “the chapter on the manner of ablution.”

The manner is the way in which something is done.

Ablution has two manners: an obligatory manner and a recommended manner.

Its obligatory elements are six: washing the face, ……….

His statement, “Its obligatory elements are six”: the evidence that they are limited to these is established through exhaustive examination.

His statement, “washing the face”: this is the first obligatory element. Wiping does not suffice; washing is indispensable. Thus, if you wet your hand with water and then wipe your face with it, that would not constitute washing.