No, wudu does not have to touch nails.
Understanding Wudu
Wudu is the Islamic ritual of washing certain parts of the body before prayer. It involves washing the face, hands, arms, wiping the head, and washing the feet. The primary purpose is to cleanse oneself before communicating with God through prayer. It's important to note that the washing involves the skin, not the nails.
The Issue of Nail Polish
One common question that arises is whether nail polish interferes with the validity of wudu. The YouTube video, titled "Is My Wudu Valid if I Have Nail Polish on?" (referenced as ![Part of a video titled Is My Wudu Valid if I Have Nail Polish on? - YouTube]()) explicitly discusses that nail polish creates a barrier that prevents water from reaching the skin of the fingernails.
- Water Needs to Reach the Skin: For wudu to be valid, water must touch the skin of the specified body parts.
- Nail Polish Creates a Barrier: Nail polish acts as an impermeable layer on the nail, preventing the water from contacting the skin beneath or around it.
- Invalidation of Wudu: According to the video information provided at 1:13 and 5:21, this barrier created by nail polish invalidates the wudu, because wudu has to reach the skin of all parts being washed.
Wudu and Nails: Key Considerations
While the nails themselves are not the focus of wudu, their condition can impact the validity of the ritual.
- No Requirement to Wash Under Nails: There's no specific requirement to wash under the nails during wudu.
- Cleanliness of the Hands: Ensuring the hands are clean and free from any substances that might hinder water from reaching the skin is essential.
Practical Implications
Based on this understanding, here are a few practical points:
- Removing Nail Polish: If you have nail polish on and are preparing for wudu, you must remove it to ensure that water reaches the skin around the nail.
- Alternatives: Muslim women who wish to wear nail color may choose to use breathable nail polish that allows water to pass through.
- Hygiene: Regardless of whether nail polish is used, maintaining clean nails is good practice before engaging in wudu.
