Islam

Islamic ritual purification is particularly centred on the preparation for ritual prayer; theoretically ritual purification would remain valid throughout the day, but is treated as invalid on the occurrence of certain acts, the passing of wind, sleep, contact with the opposite gender (depending on which school of thought), unconsciousness, and the emission of blood, semen, or vomit. All the schools of thought universally agree that ritual purity is necessary for holding the Qur'an.

Ritual purification takes the form of ablution, in a lesser form, and greater form, depending on the circumstance; the greater form is obligatory by a woman after she ceases menstruation, on a corpse that didn't die during battle, and after sexual activity, and is optionally used on other occasions, for example just prior to Friday prayers, or entering ihram. An alternative dry ablution, involving clean sand or earth, is used if clean water is not available or if suffering from an illness which would be worsened by the use of water; this form is invalidated in the same circumstances as the other forms, and also whenever water becomes available and safe to use.

The obligatory activities of the lesser form include beginning with the intention to purify oneself, washing of the face, arms, head, and feet. while some optional acts also exist such as recitation of the Basmala, the washing of the mouth, nose, and ears; recitation of the Shahadah, and/or brushing of the teeth. The greater form is completed by first performing wudu and then ensuring that the entire body is washed. Some minor details of Islamic ritual purification may vary between between different different schools of thought, as well as scholarly opinions, as well as between the different sects of Islam.