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How to Make Wudu (Ablution)

Wudu is the ritual washing a Muslim performs to be in a state of purity before prayer. Perform the steps below in order. (The method shown is the complete Sunnah practice; schools of thought differ slightly in the finer details.)

The Steps of Wudu

1

Intention & Bismillāh

Make the intention (niyyah) in your heart to perform wudu for prayer, and begin by saying Bismillāh — "In the name of God."

2

Wash the hands

Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, starting with the right, working the water between your fingers.

3

Rinse the mouth (maḍmaḍah)

Take water into your mouth and rinse it thoroughly three times.

4

Clean the nose (istinshāq)

Sniff a little water into your nostrils and blow it out three times, using the left hand to expel it.

5

Wash the face

Wash your entire face three times — from the hairline down to the chin, and from ear to ear.

6

Wash the arms

Wash each arm up to and including the elbow, three times, beginning with the right arm, then the left.

7

Wipe the head (masaḥ)

With wet hands, wipe over your head once — from the front to the back and back again — then wipe your ears, index fingers inside and thumbs behind.

8

Wash the feet

Wash each foot up to and including the ankle, three times, beginning with the right, washing between the toes.

After Completing Wudu

It is recommended to recite the testimony of faith:

Ashhadu an lā ilāha illa-llāh, waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa rasūluh.

"I bear witness that there is no god but God alone, without partner, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His servant and Messenger."

What Is Obligatory

According to the Qur'an (5:6), four acts are obligatory (fard); the rest above are recommended (sunnah) that complete and perfect the wudu:

  • Washing the face
  • Washing the arms up to the elbows
  • Wiping the head
  • Washing the feet up to the ankles

What Breaks Wudu

Your wudu is nullified and must be renewed by, among other things:

  • Using the toilet (passing urine or stool)
  • Passing wind
  • Deep sleep or loss of consciousness
  • The emission of any impurity from the body

If water is unavailable or its use would be harmful, dry ablution (tayammum) using clean earth may take its place.

Now that you are in a state of purity, learn how to perform the prayer →