How to make wudu step by step guide
Ablution is the cleaning activity of Muslims before every prayer. People often think about how to make wudu. It is a ritual ablution. It includes four obligatory steps. These note-worthy steps include washing the face, and arms, wiping the head, and rinsing the feet. There are eight total wudu steps.
Ablution is known as the essential source of cleanliness. This blog will act asa step-by-step guide for you. It is the basic requirement before salahand while touching the Holy Qur'an. It has the potential to wash away the sins of the believers. OurWudu step-by-step guide will make it easier for you!
Ablution meaning
Wudu is derived from the Arabic word, “وُضو” (wudu). The wudu meaning is “to become pure and clean”. In Shariah, ablution is an Islamic activity of purifying oneself before salah or reading the Quran. It consists of eight steps. These steps are making an intention of wudu, rinsing your hands, mouth, nose, face, and arms, wiping your forehead, and washing your feet. The main aim of wudu is to seek physical and spiritual purification.
الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (1/ 89)
Importance of making wudu in the light of the Quran and Hadith
Islam is a religion of cleanliness. All methods of cleanliness are of great significance to Allah Almighty. The proper steps of ablution are derived from the Quran and hadith. The Quran emphasizes the physical cleanliness of Muslims. The importance of doing wudu is also stated in different hadith about wudu.
Importance of Islamic ablution in the Quran
Allah Almighty loves cleanliness. He also loves those people who keep themselves clean. Wudu is recommended (mustahabb) in the Quran and fiqh. Allah says about wudu in Quran:
یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا قُمْتُمْ اِلَى الصَّلٰوةِ فَاغْسِلُوْا وُجُوْهَكُمْ وَ اَیْدِیَكُمْ اِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَ امْسَحُوْا بِرُءُوْسِكُمْ وَ اَرْجُلَكُمْ اِلَى الْكَعْبَیْنِؕ
المائدة، 5 : 6
O believers! When you stand up for Prayer, wash your faces and hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your feet up to the ankles.
Hadith about wudu importance
Ablution is the most important part of cleanliness in the lives of the believers. This act of purification is a great reward and honor for the Ummah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). As stated in hadith on wudu:
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: "إِنَّ أُمَّتِي يُدْعَوْنَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ غُرًّا مُحَجَّلِينَ مِنْ آثَارِ الْوُضُوءِ، فَمَنْ اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْكُمْ أَنْ يُطِيلَ غُرَّتَهُ فَلْيَفْعَلْ
Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, 'My people will be called on the Day of Resurrection as Al-Ghurr-ul-Muhajjalun (those who are marked with a radiance) from the traces of ablution, and whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so (i.e., by performing ablution regularly).'"(Sahih Bukhari, Jild 1 (Volume 1), Page 85 (Hadith 136)).
What is Farz of Wudu
Faraiz are the obligatory components of wudu. The term “wajibat” refers to the obligatory wudu steps that make sure that the wudu is complete. There are 4 fard of wudu. Farz in wudu must be completed to make the ablution valid and acceptable to Allah Almighty. The obligatory components of wudu in Quran are explained below:
"O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and forearms to the elbows, wipe over your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves..." Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:6)
The fard wudu stepsare described below:
الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (1/ 89)
No | Farz of wudu | Description |
1 | Washing Face | Wash the entire face, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear. |
2 | Washing Arms | Wash both arms up to the elbows, starting with the right arm. |
3 | Wiping Head | Wipe a portion of the head with wet hands. |
4 | Washing Feet | Wash both feet up to the ankles, starting with the right foot. |
What is wudu wajibat?
The term “wajibat” refers to the obligatory wudu steps acts that make sure that the wudu is complete. It is not similar to fard (mandatory) actions of wudu. Neglecting or ignoring the wajib steps of ablution can render the wudu incomplete. Although Farz and Wajib are equal in performance, but there is a difference in terms of belief. The four wudu wajibat are mentioned in the table:
الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (1/ 89)
No | Step | Wajibat Action |
1 | Was the eyebrows or beard or mustache | If the eyebrows or beard or mustache are so thick that the skin beneath them is hidden and not visible, then in such a case it is obligatory to wash the hair that covers the skin. |
2 | Wash the elbows | It is obligatory to wash the elbows. |
3 | Wiping of a quarter of the head | Wipe the quarter head along with the ears and neck with wet fingers. |
4 | Washing both ankles is obligatory | Ensure that the feet are clean and free from dirt before performing wudu. |
What is Sunnah of ablution
The recommended way of ablution by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is known as wudu sunnah. These methods are also called sunnah maukaddah (emphasized sunnah). Muslims are highly encouraged to follow the sunnah of ablution. The key aspects of wadu in the light of sunnah are explained Below:
No | StepSunnah | Practice |
1 | Make Intention | Make an intention of doing wudu. |
2 | Saying Bismillah | Say "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah) before starting. |
3 | Washing Hands | Wash the hands up to the wrists before starting wudu. |
4 | Miswak | Do Miswak or brush your teeth (at least three times on the left and right upper and lower teeth). |
5 | Rinsing Mouth | Rinse three times by taking water with the right hand (If you are not fasting, do Gharara too). |
6 | Rinsing Nose | Pour water into the nose three times with the right hand. Cleaning the nose with the left hand. |
7 | Come the beard with fingers | That is, putting the fingers in the beard from the side of the throat and turning them like combing. |
8 | Rinsing gaps between fingers | Wash the gaps between your hand fingers and feet toes. |
9 | Wiping the Head | Wipe a part of the head once with wet hands. |
10 | Wiping Ears | Wipe the inside of the ears with wet fingers. |
11 | Perform Wudu in the right order | Do ablution in the right way with the correct order. |
12 | Rinse-each body part continuously | Washing the parts to be washed in ablution successively means washing one part before drying the other. |
13 | Wiping the Beard (FOR MEN) | Men must wash their beard to make it wet. |
لدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار) (1/ 89)
Dua of wudu
Muslim must start their ablution by reciting dua before Ablution. This prayer helps to make an intention for doing ablution. The wudu dua is given in the table:
No | Dua for wudu | Translation |
1 | بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ | In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. |
"Hisnul Muslim" (The Fortress of the Muslim) by Sa'id bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani pg 45.
How to make Wudu?
You can do ablution by following the eight necessary steps of wudu. This wudu order validates the ablution of a Muslim. The eight steps of ablution are explained by the hadith and sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
No | Stage | Description | Hadith Reference |
1 | Intention (Niyyah) | Begin with the intention for wudu to purify oneself for worship."Actions are judged by intentions. | " (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 1, Hadith 1) |
2 | Saying, Bismillah | Say "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah) before starting. | "There is no ablution for the one who does not mention the name of Allah upon it." (Sunan Abu Dawood, Book 1, Hadith 101) |
3 | Washing Hands | Wash both hands up to the wrists thoroughly. | "The Prophet (peace be upon him) washed his hands up to the wrists three times." (Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 70) |
4 | Rinsing Mouth | Make wudu by rinsing your mouth three times | "When one of you performs ablution, let him rinse his mouth." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Hadith 159) |
5 | Rinsing Nose | Rinse your nose. | "When one of you performs ablution, let him rinse his nose." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Hadith 138) |
6 | Washing Face | Wash the face from hairline to chin and ear to ear three times while making ablution. | "The Prophet (peace be upon him) washed his face three times during ablution." (Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 47) |
7 | Washing Arms | Wash both arms up to the elbows three times, starting with the right arm in the ablution area. | "The Prophet (peace be upon him) washed his arms up to the elbows three times." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Hadith 137) |
8 | Wiping Head | Wipe a part of the head with wet hands once.It is the correct method of wudu | "The head is wiped with the hands." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Hadith 134) |
9 | Wiping Ears | Wipe the inside of the ears with wet fingers. | "The Prophet (peace be upon him) wiped his ears with the same wet hands used for wiping the head." (Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 118) |
10 | Washing Feet | Wash both feet up to the ankles three times, starting with the right foot. | "The Prophet (peace be upon him) washed his feet up to the ankles three times." (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 4, Hadith 151) |
11 | Sahada | Conclude your ablution by saying Shahada after wudu. | “The prophet (PBUH) used to say sahad after completing his wudu.” (Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith Number: 234, Sahih Muslim) |
Duas between Wudu
The wudu dua form an integral part of Islamic application. These supplications bring Allah's blessings and forgiveness. By reading those prayers, one intends to increase the bond with Allah. These duas strengthen faith in Allah and give protection and guidance. Recite the following duas when you make wudu:
When starting ablution, read this supplication:
"بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الْعَظِیْمِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ عَلٰى دِیْنِ الْاِسْلَامِ ".
Translation: “I begin in the name of Allah, the Great, and all praises are due to Allah, who has given the wealth of the religion of Islam”.
While washing both hands up to the knuckles three times, say this supplication:
"اَللّٰھُمَّ اِنِّی اَسْئَلُك الْیُمَنَ وَالْبَرَكَةَ وَاَعُوْذُبِكَ مِنَ الشُّؤمِ وَالْھَلَاكة" with english meaning of
"O Allah, I ask You for goodness and blessings."
While making ablution, read this dua:
"اَللّٰھُمَّ اَعِنِّی عَلٰى تِلَاوَةِ الْقُرْآنِ وَ ذِكْرِك وَشُکْرِك وَ حُسْنِ عِبَادَتِك".
Translation: “O Allah! Grant me the tawfiq of the recitation of the Qur'an and your remembrance and thanksgiving”.
While putting water in the nose, this dua is
" اَللّٰھُمَّ اَرِحْنِی رَائِحَة الْجَنَّة وَلَا تُرِحْنِی رَائِحَة النَّارِ" .
Translation: “O Allah! Give me the fragrance of Paradise and protect me from the stench of Hell”.
While washing the face during ablution in islam, this dua can be recited:
"اَللّٰھُمَّ بَیِّضْ وَجْهی یَوْمَ تَبْیَضُّ وُجُوْہٌ وَ تَسْوَدُّ وُجُوْہٌ".
Translation: “O Allah! Make my face bright on the day when some faces will be white and some will be black”.
While washing the right hand, this dua can be recited:
"اَللّٰھُمَّ اَعْطِنِی كِتَابِیْ بِیَمِیْنِیْ وَ حَاسِبْنِیْ حِسَابًا یَّسِیْراً".
Translation: “O Allah! Grant my deeds in the right hand and make my calculation easy”.
While washing the left hand, recite this prayer for wudu:"
اَللّٰھُمَّ لَا تُعْطِنِیْ كِتَابِیْ بِشِمَالِيْ وَلَامِنْ وَّرَآءِ ظَھْرِيْ" .
Translation: “O Allah! Do not give my book of deeds in my left hand and do not give it from the back”.
While wiping the head, recite this supplication
"اَللّٰھُمَّ اَظِلَّنِی تَحْتَ ظِلِّ عَرْشِك یَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ اِلَّا ظِلُّ عَرْشِك".
Translation: “O Allah! Give me the shade of your throne on the day when there will be no shade except your throne”.
While wiping the ears, recite this supplication,
"اَللّٰھُمَّ اجْعَلْنِیْ مِنَ الَّذِیْنَ یَسْتَمِعُوْنَ الْقَوْلَ فَیَتَّبِعُوْنَ اَحْسَنَه" can be recited.
Translation: "O Allah, make me among those who listen to the speech and follow the best of it."
While wiping the neck, this dua can be recited:
"اَللّٰھُمَّ اَعْتِقْ رَقَبَتِیْ مِنَ النَّارِ"
Translation: “O Allah! Free my neck from hell”.
While washing the right foot, recite this supplication:
"اَللّٰھُمَّ اجْعَلْ ذَنْبِیْ مَغْفُوْراً وَ سَعْیِیْ مَشْکُوْراً وَتِجَارَتِیْ لَنْ تَبُوْرَ".
Translation: “O Allah! Forgive my sin and accept my effort and save my business from loss”.
While washing the right foot, recite this dua:
"اَللّٰهُمَّ ثَبِّتْ قَدَمَيَّ عَلَى الصِّرَاطِ يَوْمَ تَزِلُّ فِيْهِ الْأَقْدَامُ".
Translation: "O Allah, make my feet firm on the Sirat on the day when the feet will slip.
Duas after wudu
Muslims recite dua after wudu. There are two authentic duas. One is sahadah and the other is the prayer for enhanced purity and cleanliness. According to the hadith of wudu, "Whoever performs wudu and performs it well. Then says: 'Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadur rasulullah'. The eight gates of Jannah (paradise) are opened for him, and he may enter through any gate." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 234)
No | Dua | Arabic Text | Translation |
1 | Shahada | أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له وأشهد أن محمدًا عبده ورسوله" | "I bear witness that there is no God except Allah alone, with no partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger." |
2 | Dua for Increased Purity | اللهم اجعلني من التوابين واجعلني من المتطهرين" | "O Allah, make me among those who repent and are clean." |
"Hisnul Muslim" (The Fortress of the Muslim) by Sa'id bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani pg 45.
Prohibitions of Wudu in Islam
There are certain prohibitions involved in the practice of ablution in Islam. So that the wudu may not be considered void of its aims and it becomes accepted in the sight of Allah. These limitations will ensure that the act of purification according to Islamic teachings and principles. These prohibitions are explained in the following table
Prohibition | Description |
Extravagance in Water | Spending more water than necessary |
Insufficient Water Use | Reducing water to the extent that it affects proper washing of organs. |
Engaging in Worldly Activities During Ablution | Doing non-spiritual tasks while performing ablution. |
Washing Unnecessary Organs | Washing parts of the body not required for ablution. |
Stricking Water on body parts with Force | Applying force to the mouth or other parts during ablution |
Excessive Washing | Washing the ablution organs more than three times. |
Repeated washing with New Water | Applying new water for anointing three times |
(Fatawa Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband, page 143-144)
Wudu alternatives in Islam
Ablution is required for maintaining physical and spiritual purity before any act of worship. The alternative method of wudu in certain situations is tayammum. Another alternative is known as ghusl in Islam.
What is Tayammum?
Tayammum is a form of dry purification in Islam. Tayammum meaning is “to aim or purpose to repair something”. There are eight steps of tayammum. This method utilizes clean and dry soil instead of water. Allah says in Quran:
وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَى أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاءَ أَحَدٌ مِّنكُم مِّنَ الْغَائِطِ أَوْ لاَمَسْتُمُ النِّسَاءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُواْ مَاءً فَتَيَمَّمُواْ صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُواْ بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ
المائدة، 5 :
"And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the restroom or you have touched women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands with it."
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When you cannot find water, then use clean earth and wipe your face and hands with it." (Sahih Muslim: Jild 1, Page 388 (Hadith 367)).
The steps of tayammum are given in the table
Fatawi alamgiri, Volume 1, Page 104-105
What is Tayammum Sunnah?
The Sunnah mthod explains the correct way of performing steps of tayammum. It must be executed according to the principles of faith. The steps of Sunnah of Tayammum show ease and simplicity in the ritual practices of Islam. The steps are explained in the table given below
Sunnah | Description |
Reciting Bismillah | Start the Tayammum by saying "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah). |
Scratching the soil with Hands | Strike the clean soil, dust, or a similar substance with both hands. |
Pull Both Hands Forward | After striking the soil, place both hands on it and pull them forward |
Pull Back your Both Hands | Pull your hands back while still in contact with the soil |
Wipe Both Hands | After pulling back, wipe both hands over your face and arms. |
Spreading the Fingers While Clapping | Spread your fingers while striking the soil to ensure it covers the hands properly |
Take Care of the Setting | Ensure that the environment and the material used for Tayammum are clean and suitable. |
Perform Steps Without Gap | Complete all the steps of Tayammum in a continuous manner without interruptions. |
Fatawi alamgiri, Volume 1, Page 105
What is ghusl bath?
Bath is a ritual purification of the whole body. In Arabic, it is called Ghusl. The Ghusl meaning is “ purification of the whole body”. It begins with the intention of purifying oneself for the sake of Allah. Then Muslims perform ghusl by washing their bodies thoroughly. Ghusl in Islam is necessary before spiritual worship like Hajj and Friday prayers.
Aspect | Bathing (Ghusl) |
Requirement | Water must be available and accessible. |
Three obligations | 1. Rinsing mouth. 2. Rinsing nose. 3. Wash entire body thoroughly. (Farz Uloom Sikhiye, page 275) |
Purpose | To achieve complete physical and spiritual cleanliness is required in specific situations. |
What breaks wudu in Islam?
People often ask what nullifies wudu. Wudu is invalidated due to some specific reasons. There are two types of things which break Wudu (ablution):
1. Things that come out of the body: Among these are urine, excrement, and gas.
2. Conditions of the person: Examples of this are those of unconsciousness and deep sleeping.
Fatawa Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband, Volume 1, Page 138-139
Here are the three reasons that break wudu in the light of hadith:
1. Sleeping in a way that causes loss of awareness or control. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 156,
Jild (Volume) 1, Page: 108).
2. Loss of consciousness due to fainting or any other reason. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 179, Jild (Volume) 1, Page: 115).
3. Natural Discharges including urine, feces, and passing gas. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 135, Jild (Volume) 1, Page: 85).
Benefits of Islamic Ablution
Physical benefits
Good hygiene
Daily five times wudu maintains healthy hygiene.
Improved circulation of blood
Washing the face arms and body stimulates blood circulation in the body.
Cleanliness of sensory organs
Wudu helps in maintaining the cleanliness of sensory organs.
Spiritual benefits
Spiritual Purity
Ablution helps in maintaining spiritual purity.
All sins are forgiven
Completing the wudu steps leads to the forgiveness of all sins.
Strong Connection with Allah
Five times ablution daily increases the connection with Allah.
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