Washing the Right Hand Three Times During Wudu

Question

A question about the validity of wudu when washing the right hand three times.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you.

Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah protect him):

Washing the left hand for the third time invalidates the wudu, and the prayers performed with that wudu must be repeated, even if done out of ignorance.

Source: Special Inquiry.

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Ayatollah Sistani (may Allah protect him):

According to scholars, it is recommended to wash each limb twice during wudu, and it is preferable not to wash the left hand twice to ensure it can be wiped afterward. The same applies to the right hand if one intends to wipe it without using it to wash the left hand, as well as the face to ensure moisture remains when the hands dry.

The issue with washing three times is that it requires wiping with new water, while wiping should be done with the moisture left after the first or second wash, not after the third. However, if the person is genuinely ignorant and neglects something that does not harm the validity of wudu (like using new water), their wudu is considered valid, and thus their prayers and other actions dependent on valid wudu are also valid.

If, however, the person is negligent in learning the rulings or neglects something that affects the validity of the action (like failing to wash something that must be washed), there is no way to validate their prayers and actions. Yet, if there is concern about complete rebellion, it is not advisable to instruct them to make up their worship, as Allah may bring about a change in their situation.

Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Recommended and Disliked Acts of Wudu, M 168 + Official Website

May you be successful in all good.