How to perform Wudu

Wudu is needed before salah. Once you have made wudu, it stays valid until it is broken (for example by using the toilet or by sleep), so a single wudu can carry you through several prayers.

The steps

1. Intention and Bismillah. Make the intention in your heart to perform wudu for prayer, and begin by saying Bismillah.
2. Wash your hands up to the wrists, three times, starting with the right.
3. Rinse your mouth three times.
4. Rinse your nose — draw a little water in and blow it out, three times.
5. Wash your face three times, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.
6. Wash your arms up to and including the elbows, three times — the right arm first, then the left.
7. Wipe your head (masah) once with wet hands, then wipe your ears, inside and back.
8. Wash your feet up to and including the ankles, three times — the right foot first, then the left.

When finished, many say the shahada or a short du'a. Wudu is now complete and you are ready to pray.

Things to keep in mind

• Keep the order and wash each part fully, so no dry spots remain.
• The essentials (washing the face, arms, wiping the head, washing the feet) are obligatory; the repetitions and the mouth and nose rinses are from the beautiful practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
• The finer details differ a little between schools of thought. Learn the exact method of the school you follow from a trusted teacher.

A note. This is a friendly overview of the widely-taught method. For the precise rulings of your school of thought, and to be corrected in person, learn from a qualified local teacher.