What is the ruling on breaking the prescribed sequence (tartib) during ablution (wudu)?
Chapter on the Obligation of Purification
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
If one begins ablution by washing a limb out of sequence before washing the face, the washing performed prior to the face is not counted. If the face is washed, either retaining the intention or shortly thereafter, that washing is counted. Subsequently, the remaining three limbs must be washed in order. If the face is washed, then the head is wiped, followed by washing the hands and feet, the person must repeat the head wiping and the washing of the feet. If the face and hands are washed, then the feet are washed, followed by wiping the head, the ablution is valid except for the washing of the feet. If the entire ablution is performed out of sequence, only the washing of the face is valid.
Supporting text
If a person immerses themselves in running water and only a single pass (jaryah) covers the limbs, the ruling is the same as if the sequence was broken. However, if four passes cover the person, and it is held that immersion suffices for wiping (masah), the ablution is valid, similar to performing ablution four times. If the water is stagnant, some scholars hold that if the person exits the water after the face, then the hands, then wiping the head, the ablution suffices, as impurity is removed when water separates from the limb. Imam Ahmad stated regarding a man who immersed himself to perform wudu and then exited, that he must wipe his head and wash his feet.