How to make Wudu (ablution), step by step
Wudu is the washing you do before prayer. It is simple, takes a minute, and follows a set order. Here is how to make Wudu step by step.
The steps of Wudu
- Intention and Bismillah. Make the intention in your heart to perform Wudu, and begin by saying Bismillah (“In the name of God”).
- Wash your hands up to the wrists three times, starting with the right.
- Rinse your mouth three times.
- Rinse your nose three times — sniff a little water in and blow it out.
- Wash your face three times, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.
- Wash your arms up to and including the elbows, three times — right arm first, then left.
- Wipe your head once, passing wet hands from the front of the head to the back and returning.
- Wipe your ears once, with the inside of your index fingers and the back with your thumbs.
- Wash your feet up to and including the ankles, three times — right foot first, then left.
When you finish, it is recommended to say the testimony of faith:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لا إِلٰهَ إِلّا اللّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهAshhadu an la ilaha illa-llah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.
What breaks your Wudu?
You need to renew your Wudu after things such as:
- Using the toilet, or passing wind.
- Deep sleep (lying down).
- Loss of consciousness.
If your Wudu is still valid from an earlier wash, you can pray again without repeating it.
Frequently asked questions
How many times do I wash each part?
The main parts — hands, mouth, nose, face, arms and feet — are washed three times each. The head and ears are wiped once.
In what order do I make Wudu?
Intention and Bismillah, then hands, mouth, nose, face, arms to the elbows, wipe the head, wipe the ears, then wash the feet to the ankles — right side before left.
Does Wudu need to be renewed for every prayer?
No. As long as nothing has invalidated it (such as using the toilet or sleeping), one Wudu remains valid for multiple prayers.
What if I cannot use water?
If water is unavailable or harmful to use, there is an alternative called Tayammum using clean earth. Ask a knowledgeable person to show you when it applies.