'Religiously correct' ablution requires washing the face, feet, hands, ears, arms and other bodily areas. Devout Muslims should always perform ablution before praying. If clean or sufficient water isn't available, they may use clean sand or earth to 'wash' their face and hands. Additionally, devout Muslims are expected to do ablution before touching the Holy Qur'an. They must carry out full body ablution (ghusl in Arabic, gusül in Turkish) in the following situations: A) after sexual intercourse, B) at the end of a woman's menstrual period or C) when they first become Muslim. An ablution is 'effective' for up to twenty-four hours -- or, in case of travel, up to three days. But, it is invalidated any time a person comes in contact with blood, pus, or vomit. It is also invalidated when a person urinates, breaks wind, or defecates -- or sleeps deeply.
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© Learn Turkish of the People! - Modern Ablution