ON THE SUBJECT OF 185 THE VIRTUE OF ABLUTION Let us start by reading a verse from the Koran Allah, the Exalted says: "Believers, when you rise to pray wash your faces and your hands as far as the elbow, and wipe your heads and (wash) your feet to the ankle. If you are in a state of impurity, cleanse yourselves. But if you are sick or traveling, or, if when you have just relieved yourselves or had intercourse with women, and you cannot find water, touch the clean surface of the earth and rub you hands and faces with it. Allah does not wish to burden you; He seeks only to purify you and to complete His Favor to you in order that you may thank." 5:6 Koran