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Wudu (ablution) is the washing a Muslim performs before prayer and before touching the Mushaf. The Prophet ﷺ taught that no prayer is accepted without purification, so learning wudu correctly is one of the first things every Muslim, child or adult, should learn. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to how to perform wudu.
Before you begin
- Use clean water.
- Remove anything that stops water from reaching the skin, such as nail polish.
- Make the intention in your heart that you are performing wudu for the sake of Allah.
How to perform wudu step by step
- Intention and Bismillah: intend wudu in your heart and say “Bismillah” (in the name of Allah).
- Wash your hands: wash both hands up to the wrists three times, between the fingers too.
- Rinse your mouth: take water into your mouth, swirl it and spit it out, three times.
- Clean your nose: sniff water gently into the nose and blow it out, three times.
- Wash your face: from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear, three times.
- Wash your arms: the right arm then the left, from the fingertips up to and including the elbows, three times each.
- Wipe your head: pass your wet hands over your head from front to back and back to the front, once.
- Wipe your ears: wipe the inside with your index fingers and the back with your thumbs, once.
- Wash your feet: the right foot then the left, up to and including the ankles, three times each, cleaning between the toes.
After wudu it is Sunnah to say the testimony of faith: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.”
The essential parts of wudu
Scholars agree that washing the face, washing the arms to the elbows, wiping the head and washing the feet to the ankles are essential, as mentioned in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:6). Some schools also count the intention, the order and doing the steps without long breaks as essential. The other steps, such as washing three times, are Sunnah. Your teacher can explain the details according to the school of thought you follow.
What breaks wudu
- Using the toilet, including passing wind.
- Deep sleep.
- Losing consciousness.
Scholars differ on some other matters, such as bleeding or touching certain things, so it is best to learn these details from a teacher.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the elbows or heels dry.
- Wasting water: the Prophet ﷺ performed wudu with a small amount.
- Rushing, so that some parts are not washed properly.
Teaching wudu to children
Children learn wudu best by watching and copying. Do it with them, step by step, and praise every attempt. In our kids program, teachers demonstrate wudu on camera and ask the child to show each step back, which makes it easy and fun. Wudu is also part of the Fiqh taught in our Islamic studies programs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new wudu for every prayer?
No. If your wudu has not been broken, you can pray several prayers with it.
What if there is no water?
Islam allows tayammum, a dry purification with clean earth, when water is unavailable or harmful to use. A teacher can show you how.
What comes after wudu?
Prayer. Read our step-by-step guide on how to pray in Islam.
