Wudu & Purification
Step-by-step illustrated ritual ablution required before performing prayer or touching the Arabic Quran.
Step-by-Step Method (8 Steps)
Illustrated for Beginners
Intention & Wash Hands (3x)
Make intention in your heart to purify yourself for prayer. Say quietly: "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah). Wash both hands up to the wrists 3 times, ensuring water cleans between your fingers.
Rinse the Mouth (3x)
Take a handful of water with your right hand into your mouth, swirl it around to cleanse, then spit it out. Repeat 3 times.
Cleanse the Nose (3x)
Sniff a little water gently into your nostrils with your right hand, then blow it out into your left hand. Repeat 3 times.
Wash the Entire Face (3x)
Wash your entire face 3 times, from the normal hairline down to the chin, and from earlobe to earlobe.
Wash Arms to Elbows (3x)
Wash your right arm from fingertips up to and including the elbow 3 times. Then do the exact same for your left arm 3 times.
Wipe Head & Ears (1x)
Wet your hands with clean water. Wipe your palms over your hair from front to back, then back to front. Immediately use your index fingers to clean the inside crevices of your ears and your thumbs for behind your ears.
Wash Both Feet to Ankles (3x)
Wash your right foot thoroughly up to and including the ankle bone 3 times, cleaning between your toes with your pinky finger. Repeat 3 times for the left foot.
Recite the Closing Dua
Upon finishing, look upward with humility and say the Dua of Wudu. The Prophet (pbuh) said all eight gates of Paradise open for whoever says it!
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasooluh. Allahummaj'alnee minat-tawwabeen waj'alnee minal-mutatahhireen.
I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone with no partner, and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O Allah, make me among those who constantly repent and make me among those who purify themselves.
What Breaks (Nullifies) Wudu?
Once you make Wudu, you remain in a state of purity for as long as you do not experience one of the following:
Breaks Wudu:
- Using the restroom (urination or defecation)
- Passing gas (flatulence)
- Deep, sound sleep (lying down)
- Loss of consciousness (fainting)
Does NOT Break Wudu:
- Touching food or eating (unless eating camel meat)
- Normal bleeding from a small scratch
- Doubt (you only renew if you are 100% sure you broke it)
- Crying or yawning
Pro-Tip for Beginners: Wiping Over Socks
If you put on clean socks while already in a state of complete Wudu, you do not need to take off your socks to wash your feet for future Wudus! Simply wipe your wet hands lightly over the top of each sock once. This valid concession lasts 24 hours for residents and 3 days when traveling.
Finished Reading This Topic?
Click "Mark as Learned" to save your progress on this device.