How to Perform Wudu (Ablution)
Wudu is the ritual ablution required before prayer, recitation of the Quran from a physical mushaf, and tawaf. The core obligations are stated in Quran 5:6, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) demonstrated the complete sequence repeatedly, including the recommended (sunnah) acts that surround the obligations.
مَنْ تَوَضَّأَ نَحْوَ وُضُوئِي هَذَا، ثُمَّ صَلَّى رَكْعَتَيْنِ لاَ يُحَدِّثُ فِيهِمَا نَفْسَهُ، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ.
“Whoever performs ablution like this ablution of mine and then offers two rakats without distracting himself with worldly thoughts will be forgiven his previous sins.”
Step 1Make the intention and say Bismillah
Wudu begins in the heart with the intention to purify yourself for prayer. Then say Bismillah aloud or silently before touching the water.
Arabicبِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration
Bismillah
Step 2Wash both hands up to the wrists, three times
Start with the right hand, washing between the fingers. Repeat three times for each hand. This is a sunnah preceding the obligatory steps.
Step 3Rinse the mouth and nose, three times each
Take water into the cupped right hand, rinse the mouth, and use the same handful (or a new one) to gently inhale water into the nostrils and expel it with the left hand. Repeat three times.
Step 4Wash the face, three times
Wash the entire face from the hairline to the chin and from earlobe to earlobe. This is the first of the four obligatory acts named in Quran 5:6.
Step 5Wash both arms up to and including the elbows, three times
Start with the right arm, ensuring water reaches every part of the skin including the elbows themselves. Then do the left arm three times.
Step 6Wipe the head and ears, once
With wet hands, wipe over the entire head from the front to the back and back to the front in a single motion. Then insert the index fingers into the ears and wipe the outer ears with the thumbs.
Step 7Wash both feet up to and including the ankles, three times
Start with the right foot, washing between the toes and ensuring water reaches the heels and ankles. Then do the left foot three times.
Step 8Recite the post-wudu dua
After completing wudu, look toward the sky and recite the prophetic dua. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that whoever does this will have the eight gates of Paradise opened for them.
Arabicأَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ. اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ التَّوَّابِينَ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ.
Transliteration
Ashhadu an la ilaha illa-Allahu wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh. Allahumma-j'alni min at-tawwabin, waj'alni min al-mutatahhirin.
Note
From Sahih Muslim 234, narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping any of the four obligatory parts named in Quran 5:6 — face, arms, head, feet.
Leaving a dry spot on the limbs (especially the heels). The Prophet warned: 'Woe to the heels from the Fire.'
Wasting water by leaving the tap fully open. The Prophet performed wudu with a small amount of water.
Wiping over socks that were put on without prior wudu, or wiping for longer than the permitted period (24 hours resident, 72 hours traveler).
Speaking unnecessarily during wudu, which is disliked by the scholars.