Step 1: Make the Intention (Niyyah)
Before perform salah, begin with intention, niyyah, heart, mind, and awareness. This essential step happens before salah and needs no words or special statements. It is a sincere act of worship done mentally, physically, and spiritually, so your prayer is accepted by Allah.
Step 2: Say Bismillah
At the beginning, say Bismillah, In the name of Allah, the name of Allah. This is a critical part of performing wudu and can be said silently.
Step 3: Wash Both Hands
Wash both hands, starting with the right hand then the left hand, from fingertips to the wrists, thoroughly, three times. Always begin with right side, using water for cleanliness and to cleanse every part.
Step 4: Rinse the Mouth
Rinse the mouth three times, using swirling water, then spit out to clean mouth properly.
Step 5: Rinse the Nose
Rinse nose by sniff water into the nostrils, inhale, then blow out with the left hand, three times. This follows the sunnah and helps check water purity, making sure it is clean enough.
Step 6: Wash the Face
Wash face, the entire face, three times, from hairline, top of forehead, to bottom of chin, ear to ear, including eyebrows, under nose, and lips. Men with beards, whether thin beard or thick beard, should ensure water reaches skin and run wet fingers through the beard.
Step 7: Wash the Arms
Wash arms, right arm then left arm, from fingertips to elbows, three times. Make sure there is no part left dry and remove barriers like mud, paint, or dough so water reaching skin is not blocked.
Step 8: Wipe the Head
Wipe head, not wash, with wet hands, moving front to back and back to front, once. This applies whether you are bald, have short hair, long hair, or woman’s hair—only the roots of hair to the nape of neck, not entire length.
Step 9: Wipe the Ears
Wipe ears using index fingers inside ears and thumbs behind ears, once. It is preferable to use fresh water, though same water from the head wipe is valid.
Step 10: Wash the Feet
Wash feet, right foot then left foot, three times, from toes to ankles, including between toes, back of ankle, ensuring water touches every area.
Step 11: Recite Shahada and Dua
After you finish wudu, recite the Shahada, a testimony of faith, then a concluding dua (du‘a, supplication). Following Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), this completes wudu complete and allows you to begin to pray.
Step 12: Key Reminders and Special Cases
Always perform steps in order, continuously, wash thoroughly, ensure water between fingers and water between toes, and don’t waste water, as wudu washes away minor sins. If wudu breaks due to natural discharge, falling asleep, or becoming unconscious, you must perform wudu again. When wearing socks, shoes, or sandals that cover up to ankles, you may wipe top of right foot and wipe top of left foot instead of washing. For more information contact us.