Wudu (Ablution) Guide
الوضوء
The Islamic ritual purification performed before prayer
Wudu (ablution) is the Islamic procedure for cleansing parts of the body with water, a type of ritual purification. It is required before performing Salah (prayer) and is one of the conditions for the validity of prayer.
Allah says in the Quran: “O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.” (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:6)
- Using the restroom (urination, defecation, or passing gas)
- Deep sleep (where one loses awareness)
- Loss of consciousness
- Bleeding (according to some scholars)
- Vomiting (in large amounts, according to some scholars)
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps in order to perform a complete Wudu.
Make the intention in your heart to perform Wudu for the sake of Allah. The intention does not need to be spoken aloud -- it is an internal commitment.
The intention is a condition for the validity of Wudu. Simply intending in your heart that you are performing Wudu to purify yourself for prayer is sufficient.
Begin by saying 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before starting the washing.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Bismillah
In the name of Allah
Saying Bismillah at the beginning of Wudu is a Sunnah (recommended practice).
Wash both hands up to the wrists thoroughly, making sure water reaches between the fingers. Wash them three times.
Start with the right hand, then the left. Ensure water passes between all fingers.
Take water into your right hand and rinse your mouth thoroughly, swirling the water around. Do this three times.
Use a miswak or toothbrush before Wudu if possible. Swirl the water well to clean the entire mouth.
Sniff water gently into the nostrils with the right hand, then blow it out with the left hand. Do this three times.
Sniff water gently -- do not inhale too forcefully. Use the left hand to expel water from the nose.
Wash the entire face from the hairline to the chin, and from ear to ear. Ensure water covers every part of the face. Wash three times.
The face includes the area from the hairline to the bottom of the chin, and from one ear to the other. If you have a beard, run your fingers through it.
Wash the right arm from the fingertips to the elbow (inclusive), making sure water covers the entire arm. Wash three times.
Always start with the right side. Make sure to wash up to and including the elbow.
Wash the left arm from the fingertips to the elbow (inclusive), making sure water covers the entire arm. Wash three times.
Ensure no dry spots are left on the arm, especially around the elbow.
Wet your hands and wipe over your entire head from the front (hairline) to the back (nape of the neck), then bring your hands back to the front. Do this once.
Wiping the head is done only once, unlike the other steps which are done three times.
Using the remaining wetness on your hands, insert your index fingers into your ears and wipe the backs of your ears with your thumbs. Do this once.
The ears are wiped as part of wiping the head. Use the index fingers for the inside and thumbs for the outside.
Wash the right foot up to and including the ankle, making sure water reaches between the toes. Wash three times.
Use your little finger to wash between the toes, starting from the smallest toe.
Wash the left foot up to and including the ankle, making sure water reaches between the toes. Wash three times.
Ensure the heel and ankle are thoroughly washed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against neglecting the heels.
Dua After Wudu
After completing Wudu, it is recommended to recite the following supplication.
Shahadah After Wudu
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasooluh.
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ التَّوَّابِينَ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ
Allahummaj'alni minat-tawwabeena waj'alni minal-mutatahhireen.
O Allah, make me among those who repent and make me among those who purify themselves.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever performs Wudu and then says this dua, the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him, and he may enter through whichever one he wishes.” (Sahih Muslim)