How to Perform Wudu (Ablution): Step by Step

Wudu is the ritual purification performed before prayer and before handling the Mushaf. Its order and essential steps come directly from the Qur'an, refined by the Prophet's ◾ own practice.

When wudu is needed

Wudu is required before every obligatory prayer, unless you're already in a state of purity from an earlier wudu that hasn't been broken. It's also recommended before touching or reciting from the Mushaf, though scholars differ on the exact ruling for reciting from memory or a translation.

Step by step, in order

1. Niyyah: intend in your heart to purify yourself for prayer.
2. Bismillah: say "In the name of Allah" as you begin.
3. Wash the hands: three times, up to the wrists, including between the fingers.
4. Rinse the mouth: three times.
5. Rinse the nose: sniff water in and blow it out, three times.
6. Wash the face: three times, from hairline to chin and ear to ear.
7. Wash the arms: three times each, from fingertips to and including the elbows, right arm first.
8. Wipe the head: once, passing wet hands from the front of the head to the back and returning to the front.
9. Wipe the ears: once, inner and outer surfaces, usually with the same water as the head.
10. Wash the feet: three times each, up to and including the ankles, right foot first, making sure water reaches between the toes.

Most of these steps are performed three times each as the Sunnah way, though scholars agree once is sufficient for the obligation itself, aside from the head wipe, which is done once.

What breaks wudu

• Using the toilet (urination or defecation)
• Passing gas
• Deep sleep that removes awareness
• Loss of consciousness
• The discharge of blood or other bodily fluids that require ghusl

A few other matters — such as touching one's spouse, or bleeding from a wound — are genuinely debated across the schools of thought; if you're unsure, a local scholar following your madhhab can clarify.

After completing wudu

It's recommended to say the testimony of faith upon finishing: "Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh" ("I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger") — the Prophet ◾ said whoever does so has all eight gates of Paradise opened for them (Sahih Muslim 234).

Minor details of wudu (such as exact repetitions or the order of ear-wiping) vary slightly between the four Sunni schools of thought. This guide follows the commonly taught general sequence; for school-specific rulings, consult a qualified local scholar.