Wudu: washing before prayer
Wudu is the washing we do before we pray or hold the Qur'an. Learn each step in order.
What is wudu?
Allah says in the Qur'an (5:6) that before prayer we wash the face, the arms up to the elbows, wipe the head and wash the feet up to the ankles. The Prophet ﷺ showed us how, washing most parts three times and always starting with the right side (Sahih al-Bukhari 159; Sahih Muslim 226).
How to make wudu
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Make the intention ⚑
In your heart, mean to make wudu for Allah. You don't need to say it aloud.
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Say Bismillah ⚑
bis-mil-laah
“In the name of Allah.”
📚 Sunan Abi Dawud 101
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Wash your hands ×3 ⚑
Wash both hands up to the wrists, between the fingers too.
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Rinse your mouth ×3 ⚑
Take water into your mouth with your right hand, swirl it round and spit it out.
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Clean your nose ×3 ⚑
Sniff a little water into your nose with the right hand and blow it out with the left.
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Wash your face ×3 ⚑
From the hairline to under the chin, and from one ear to the other.
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Wash your arms ×3 ⚑
The right arm first, from the fingertips up to and including the elbow, then the left arm.
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Wipe your head and ears ×1 ⚑
Wipe wet hands over your head from front to back and back again, then wipe inside and behind the ears.
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Wash your feet ×3 ⚑
The right foot first, up to and including the ankles, and between the toes. Then the left foot.
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Say the dua after wudu ⚑
ash-ha-du al-laa i-laa-ha il-lal-laa-hu waḥ-da-hoo laa sha-ree-ka lah, wa ash-ha-du an-na mu-ḥam-ma-dan 'ab-du-hoo wa ra-soo-luh
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone, without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.”
📚 Sahih Muslim 234
This guide is being checked by teachers. The English pronunciation is a guide: learn the exact sounds by listening.