Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Wudu (Ablution)
Wudu is the Islamic purification ritual required before performing Salah (prayer), handling the Quran, and other acts of worship. Below is a detailed, easy-to-follow guide based on the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Step 1: Intention (Niyyah)
-
Silently intend in your heart to perform wudu for the sake of purification.
-
No specific words are required; intention is a mental commitment.
Step 2: Say “Bismillah”
-
Begin by saying:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
“Bismillah” (In the Name of Allah). -
If forgotten at the start, it can be said during wudu.
Step 3: Wash Hands (3 Times)
-
Right Hand First: Wash from fingertips to wrist, ensuring water reaches all parts. Repeat 3 times.
-
Left Hand: Repeat the same for the left hand 3 times.
-
Rub between fingers to ensure thorough cleaning.
Step 4: Rinse Mouth (3 Times)
-
Take water into the right hand and rinse the mouth thoroughly.
-
Swish water around and spit it out. Repeat 3 times.
Step 5: Clean Nostrils (3 Times)
-
Sniff water into the nostrils using the right hand, then expel it with the left.
-
Avoid inhaling too deeply to prevent discomfort. Repeat 3 times.
Step 6: Wash Face (3 Times)
-
Wash the entire face from hairline to chin and ear to ear.
-
Ensure no part is left dry. Repeat 3 times.
-
For Beards: Run wet fingers through the beard to ensure water reaches the skin.
Step 7: Wash Arms (3 Times Each)
-
Right Arm: Wash from fingertips to above the elbow. Repeat 3 times.
-
Left Arm: Repeat the same.
-
Ensure water covers all parts, including between fingers.
Step 8: Wipe the Head (1 Time)
-
Wet hands and wipe from the top of the forehead to the back of the head, then back to the forehead.
-
This is a wipe (masah), not a wash. Done once.
Step 9: Clean Ears (1 Time)
-
Use index fingers to clean inside the ears and thumbs to wipe behind the ears.
-
Use the same water from Step 8 (no new water needed).
Step 10: Wash Feet (3 Times Each)
-
Right Foot: Wash from toes to ankles, ensuring water reaches between toes and under nails. Repeat 3 times.
-
Left Foot: Repeat the same.
Step 11: Final Dua & Shahada
After completing wudu, recite:
1. Shahada
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.”
(I testify that there is no god but Allah alone, with no partner, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.)
2. Dua After Wudu
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ التَّوَّابِينَ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ
“Allahummaj’alni minat-tawwabeena waj’alni minal mutatahhireen.”
(O Allah, make me among those who repent and purify themselves.)
Important Notes on Wudu
Order Matters: Follow the sequence as taught by the Prophet (ﷺ).
No Wastage: Use water moderately (even if near a river).
Breaks Wudu: Using the restroom, passing gas, deep sleep, or bleeding nullify wudu.
Missed Spots: If any part is left dry, wudu is invalid.
Hadith on the Virtues of Wudu
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When a Muslim performs wudu properly, his sins leave his body, even from under his nails.” (Sahih Muslim)
Conclusion
Wudu is a sacred act of purification that prepares a Muslim for worship. By following these steps correctly, you ensure your Salah is accepted.
May Allah grant us purity and acceptance of our prayers. Ameen.
