The washing of the face and the wiping of the head represent the knowledge of the Outward Intellect and its various stations. It signifies affirmation of the Intellect, disavowal of those who bar the way to its path, and the negation of any image of "incapacity" attributed to it. This act is a purification through its sciences, removing the filth of doubt and the ambiguities of the people of polytheism.

Washing the hands at the start of Wudu indicates the Etiquette of the Seeker in his quest for gnosis.

The Right Hand: It is the indicator of the Greatest Alif (al-Alif al-Akbar).

The Left Hand: Closely following the right, it is the indicator of Abu Dharr.

The Fingers of the Right Hand: These indicate the Five Persons of the Veil: Muhammad, Fatir (Fatima), al-Hasan, al-Husayn, and Muhsin. The reason they are signified by the right hand is that the right hand is the source of "craftsmanship" and action; similarly, the Veil is the entity through which all creations were crafted and through which the existence of all beings was brought forth.