Wudu Guide
How to perform Wudu
A clear, step-by-step guide to Islamic ablution — the ritual purification made before every prayer.
Before you begin
- Being Muslim and of sound mind
- The intention (niyyah) to perform wudu
- Using clean, purifying water (mā' ṭahūr)
- Removing anything that stops water reaching the skin (e.g. thick nail polish)
- Performing the fard actions in order, without long pauses
Intention (Niyyah) & Bismillah
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ
Bismillāh
Make the intention in your heart to perform wudu for the sake of Allah, then say 'Bismillah' before beginning.
Sunnah: The intention is a condition — no need to say it aloud.
Wash the hands three times
Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, starting with the right, making sure water reaches between the fingers.
Sunnah: Sunnah to begin with the right side in every paired action.
Rinse the mouth three times
Take water into the right hand and rinse the mouth thoroughly three times, swishing the water inside.
Sunnah: Combine rinsing the mouth and nose from the same handful of water if you wish.
Sniff water into the nose three times
Sniff water gently into the nose with the right hand and blow it out with the left, three times.
Wash the face three times
Wash the entire face from the hairline to the chin, and from ear to ear, three times.
Sunnah: Men should run wet fingers through the beard.
Wash the arms to the elbows three times
Wash the right arm from the wrist to and including the elbow, three times. Then repeat with the left arm.
Wipe the head and ears once
Wet the hands and wipe from the front of the head to the back and forward again. Then wipe the inside and outside of the ears with the index fingers and thumbs.
Sunnah: One pass over the head is enough — no need to repeat.
Wash the feet to the ankles three times
Wash the right foot up to and including the ankle, making sure water reaches between the toes. Then repeat with the left foot.
Sunnah: Conclude with the shahada — 'Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa Allāh…'
Dua after wudu
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Ash-hadu an lā ilāha illa-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa rasūluh.
"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."
What breaks your wudu
- Anything that exits from the private parts (urine, stool, gas)
- Deep sleep or unconsciousness
- Loss of sanity or intoxication
- Direct contact with the private parts
- Eating camel meat (per the majority view)
Guidance is based on mainstream Sunni fiqh. Consult a qualified scholar for madhhab-specific rulings.