How to make wudu
Wudu (ablution) is the washing you do before prayer. It only takes a few minutes and uses a little clean water.
Step by step
- Intention. In your heart, intend to make wudu for the sake of Allah. You do not need to say it out loud.
- Say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah).
- Wash your hands up to the wrists, three times. Start with the right hand.
- Rinse your mouth three times.
- Rinse your nose three times: sniff a little water in, then blow it out.
- Wash your face three times, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.
- Wash your arms up to and including the elbows, three times. Right arm first, then left.
- Wipe your head once with wet hands, from the front to the back and back again.
- Wipe your ears once: index fingers inside, thumbs behind the ears.
- Wash your feet up to and including the ankles, three times. Right foot first. Make sure water reaches between the toes.
Washing each part once is enough for a valid wudu. Washing three times follows the practice (sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illallāh, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ‘abduhū wa rasūluh.
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.” — a good thing to say after wudu.
What breaks wudu?
- Using the toilet (urine or stool)
- Passing wind
- Deep sleep, especially lying down
- Losing consciousness
Some other things are treated differently by different schools, such as bleeding or touching the skin. If you are unsure, it is fine to simply renew your wudu.
No water? If there is no water, or using it would harm you, Islam allows tayammum: strike your hands lightly on clean earth or dust, then wipe your face and hands.