Wondering how to do Wudu (ablution)? Want to learn the correct steps for making Wudu? Before performing Salah, it’s important to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Wudu, the first essential step in Salah, is not just a ritual but an act of worship. That’s why it's crucial to ensure that Wudu is performed correctly, following each step with care and intention.

What is Wudu (Ablution)?

A large portion of preparing yourself for Salah is the process known as Wudhu. It is a purification process that every Muslim must perform before starting their prayers. It is such an essential part of the Salah that if anyone leaves it because of ignorance, forgetfulness, or negligence, Allah will not accept their prayer.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"No Salah is accepted without Wudu (purification)."

(Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 2)

Learn the fundamentals of Islam, including the 6 Kalimas, daily prayers, duas, short surahs, Islamic history, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in our online Islamic Studies Course. Sign up for a one-week free trial.
 

How Do You Perform Wudu In Order

While doing Wudu, make sure not to waste water and know that your Wudu washes away minor sins. Whether you are learning how to do wudu, making Wudu for the first time or want to refresh your memory, our wudu steps guide on how to make Wudu will significantly help.

Requirements for Wudu (Ablution)

Before starting Wudu, ensure that you fulfill the following prerequisites:

1. Belief in Islam, sanity, and sense of discrimination – The person performing Wudu should be a sane and conscious Muslim.


2. Intention (Niyyah) – Mentally prepare and intend to perform Wudu for the sake of purification and worship.


3. Clean Water – Use clean and pure water.


4. Removal of Barriers – Remove anything that prevents water from reaching the skin, like wax, dough, or nail polish.


5. Immediate Progress – Move from one action to the next without unnecessary delay.


6. Proper Order – Follow the prescribed sequence of steps for Wudu.


7. Wash All Required Organs – Ensure all necessary parts are properly washed.

Steps to Perform Wudu (Ablution)

Here’re the basic steps to do Wudu in order:
 

01. Wash Your Hands Three Times

Start by washing your hands. Completely wash your right hand three times, then do the same with the left hand. Wash thoroughly, including between the fingers.

02. Rinse Your Mouth Three Times

Take water in your right palm and rinse your mouth with it three times. Spit out the water each time without swallowing.

03. Rinse Your Nose Three Times

Gently put water into your nostrils using your right hand, then blow it out. Repeat this three times.

04. Wash Your Face Three Times

Thoroughly wash your face, from the hairline on your forehead down to your chin and from ear to ear. Repeat three times.

05. Wash Your Right Arm Up to the Elbow Three Times

Wash your right arm, covering from your fingertips to your elbow. Make sure to clean thoroughly, including between your fingers. Repeat three times.

06. Wash Your Left Arm Up to the Elbow Three Times

Now wash your left arm the same way as the right, three times.

07. Wipe Your Head (Masah)

Perform Masah by wetting your hands and wiping them over your head from the forehead to the backside of the head.
Perform Masah by wetting your hands and wiping them over your head from the front to the back and then forward again.
Perform Masah by wetting your hands and wiping them over the back of your neck.
With regards to a woman’s hair, she should wipe it from the front of her head to the roots of the hair at the nape of her neck. She does not have to wipe the entire length of her hair.

08. Wipe Your Ears (Inside and Out)

Wet your hands again if needed, and use your thumbs to wipe behind your ears, while using your index fingers to wipe the inside. This is done once.

09. Wash Your Right Foot Three Times

Wash your right foot thoroughly from the toes to the ankle, making sure to clean between your toes. Repeat three times.

10. Wash Your Left Foot Three Times

Repeat the same process with your left foot, washing it three times and ensuring cleanliness between the toes.

Recite the Shahada and Dua (Optional)

After completing Wudu, the Prophet (PBUH) would recite the Shahada:

“Ash-hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh,”which means, “I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I also testify that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”

He would then say the following Dua:

“Allahuma j‘alnee mina tawabeen waj-‘alnee minal mutatahireen,”

Meaning, “O Allah, make me among those who seek repentance and those who purify themselves.”

What Breaks Your Wudu?

As discussed earlier, performing Wudu is necessary to perform Salah or Namaz. This often raises a common question:
 

How long does my Wudu stay valid?

Your Wudu remains valid until one or more of the following events occur:
 

1. Natural bodily discharge: This includes actions like urinating, defecating, or passing gas.


2. Falling asleep: A deep sleep that breaks your state of awareness.


3. Loss of consciousness: Fainting, deep sleep or any other form of unconsciousness.

If any of these situations arise, Wudu must be performed again before you can pray.

Learn Kalimas, Namaz, Surahs and Fundamentals of Islam with Our Online Quran School!

Seeking knowledge of Islam and Al Qur'an is essential for Muslims of every age. However, the best age to inculcate Islamic values is childhood. Parents must teach their young ones about the holy Quran and Islam to enable them to live good lives and contribute positively to the communities.

Indeed, infusing virtue into kids' hearts and souls is to support their success in this life and the next one. You can rely on our online Quran academy if there is no local mosque nearby your area to teach your kids the basics of Islam and the noble Quran. With a team of experienced Quran Mualims and tutors, we are here to teach your kids the fundamentals of Islam, including kalimas, wudu, namaz, surahs, masnoon prayers and so on.

We offer introductory Noorani Qaida courses and Islamic studies courses for beginners, adults and sisters at an affordable rate. Our academy aims to build a solid Islamic foundation in young ones to live a happy life in this world and hereafter.

Sign up to get free one-week demo classes online!