Wudu is the Islamic procedure for cleansing parts of the body using water, and it is a requirement before performing certain acts of worship—most importantly, Salah (prayer).
Importance of Wudu
- It is a prerequisite for Salah. Allah says:
“O you who believe! When you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows…”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:6)
- It is a means of spiritual purification and forgiveness of sins.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“When a Muslim or a believer washes his face [in wudu], every sin which he committed with his eyes will be washed away… until he comes out purified from sins.”
(Sahih Muslim)
How to Perform Wudu (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the complete Sunnah method of Wudu:
- Intention (Niyyah):
Intend in your heart that you are performing Wudu for the sake of Allah. - Say Bismillah:
Begin by saying “Bismillah”. - Wash Hands (x3):
Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, starting with the right. - Rinse the Mouth (x3):
Use your right hand to take water into the mouth and rinse well. - Rinse the Nose (x3):
Sniff water into the nostrils with the right hand and clean with the left hand. - Wash the Face (x3):
From the forehead to the chin and from ear to ear. - Wash Arms (x3):
Wash the right arm up to the elbow three times, then the left. - Wipe the Head (Masah) (x1):
Wet your hands and wipe over your head once, front to back and back to front. - Wipe the Ears (x1):
Use the same wet hands: index fingers inside the ears and thumbs behind them. - Wash Feet (x3):
Wash the right foot including the ankles three times, then the left.
Things That Break Wudu
Wudu is invalidated by:
- Anything that comes out of the private parts (urine, feces, wind, etc.)
- Deep sleep
- Loss of consciousness (fainting, intoxication)
- Touching private parts directly (difference of opinion among scholars)
- Sexual discharge or intimate contact (depends on the school of thought)
When is Wudu Required?
You need to be in a state of Wudu before:
- Performing Salah
- Touching or holding the physical Mushaf (Qur’an)
- Tawaf (circumambulating the Ka’bah)
Virtues of Wudu
- Erases sins with every drop of water.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“My Ummah will come on the Day of Judgment with bright faces, hands, and feet from the traces of Wudu.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
- Performing Wudu regularly is a sign of faith and cleanliness.
Tayammum (Dry Ablution)
If water is not available or cannot be used (due to illness, etc.), Wudu can be substituted with Tayammum (using clean earth or dust).
Common Mistakes in Wudu
- Not washing the ankles or elbows completely.
- Leaving dry spots on the face or arms.
- Wasting water (which is disliked in Islam).
- Not following the proper order (Tarteeb).
- Rushing without proper washing.
