How to Perform Wudu (Ablution) Step by Step

The steps of wudu in order

Allah commands believers to wash the face and arms up to the elbows, wipe the head, and wash the feet up to the ankles before prayer (Quran 5:6). The Prophet ﷺ added more actions that are recommended. A common way to do wudu is:

• Make the intention in your heart and say Bismillah (in the name of Allah).
• Wash both hands up to the wrists, three times.
• Rinse your mouth three times.
• Sniff a little water into your nose and blow it out, three times.
• Wash your whole face three times, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.
• Wash your right arm and then your left arm, from the fingertips up to and including the elbow, three times each.
• Wipe your head with wet hands, and then wipe your ears.
• Wash your right foot and then your left foot up to and including the ankles, three times each.

What breaks wudu

Wudu is cancelled by anything that comes out of the front or back private parts, such as urine, stool or passing wind. It is also cancelled by deep sleep and by losing consciousness.

Scholars differ about some other matters, such as bleeding from a wound or touching the private parts. If you follow a school of law, follow its view. If you are not sure, ask a qualified local scholar.

A doubt does not break wudu. If you are only unsure whether you lost it, you may continue as you were.

Ghusl in short

Ghusl is washing the whole body. It is required after sexual intercourse or ejaculation, and when menstrual bleeding or postnatal bleeding has ended (Quran 5:6 and Quran 2:222).

A common way is to make the intention, wash the hands and private parts, and do wudu. Then pour water over the head three times and wash the rest of the body, making sure water reaches everywhere.

Wiping over socks

Many scholars allow a person to wipe over leather socks (khuffayn) instead of washing the feet. This was reported from the Prophet ﷺ in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

The socks must be put on after a complete wudu. The permission lasts for a limited time, and the time is longer for a traveller. Scholars differ on details, such as whether thin cloth socks count. Ask a qualified scholar if your case is unclear.

Common mistakes

• Leaving a dry spot, especially on the heels, elbows or ankles. The Prophet ﷺ warned about heels that are not washed well (reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
• Wasting water. Use only what you need and do not rush.
• Wearing waterproof paint, nail polish or a thick layer of cream that stops water from reaching the skin.
• Washing in the wrong order, or skipping a part.
• Worrying too much. If you keep doubting without a clear reason, stay calm and continue.

Purity is part of worship, and Allah loves those who keep themselves clean (Quran 2:222).

Sources

• Quran 5:6
• Quran 2:222
• Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of Wudu)
• Sahih Muslim (Book of Purification)