Question
Whilst making wudhu should the nose be cleaned with the baby finger of the left hand only or the baby finger and thumb. Ta’leemul Haq has the baby finger and the thumb. Which is the correct method?
Answer
The method of cleaning the nostrils is mentioned in two places in Ta’leemul Haq.
(1) Thereafter take water up to the nostrils three times with the right hand and clean the nose with the left hand..
(2) Passing water into the nostrils thrice.
Which fingers should be used is not mentioned in any of these texts that we found on the subject.
We have however found this detail mentioned in other books:
Hazrat Mufti Abdur Rahim Lachpori Rahimahullah writes:
Thereafter put water into the nostrils three times and clean the dirt inside the nostrils with the little finger of the left hand.
It is mentioned in Ta’leem-ud-Deen:
Thereafter put water thrice into the nostrils with the right hand and clean the nose with the little finger of the left hand.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
فتاوى رحيميه 4/20
Ta’leemul Haq pg. 37 Umzinto edition
Ta’leemul Haq pg. 44 Umzinto edition 3
Ta’leem-ud-Deen pg. 36 Zam Zam publishers