How to Perform Wudu Step by Step
Purification before prayer
The complete method of performing Wudu (ablution) in order.
How to Do Wudu Step by Step in the Correct Order
Wudu, also written Wudhu, is the ritual ablution in Islam performed before Salah. This Wudu guide presents eight practical Wudu steps in order, beginning with intention and Bismillah and continuing through washing and wiping the required areas.
Follow each summary below, then open its complete lesson for detailed guidance, supporting evidence and common mistakes. Questions about individual circumstances should be referred to a qualified teacher or scholar.
Intention and Bismillah Before Wudu
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Learn how to begin Wudu with a sincere intention and Bismillah, understand why intention belongs in the heart, and prepare for purification according to authentic evidence.
Read full lessonHow to Wash the Hands in Wudu
غَسْلُ الْكَفَّيْنِ
Learn how to wash both hands correctly at the beginning of Wudu, reach every part of the palms and fingers, and follow the authentic method demonstrated in Sahih Hadith.
Read full lessonHow to Rinse the Mouth in Wudu
الْمَضْمَضَةُ
Learn how to rinse the mouth correctly during Wudu, move water around the whole mouth and follow the method established in multiple Sahih Hadith reports.
Read full lessonHow to Clean the Nose in Wudu
الِاسْتِنْشَاقُ وَالِاسْتِنْثَارُ
Learn how to clean the nose correctly during Wudu by drawing in water and expelling it, with special guidance for fasting and multiple verified Sahih references.
Read full lessonHow to Wash the Face in Wudu
غَسْلُ الْوَجْهِ
Learn how to wash the entire face correctly during Wudu, reach its boundaries without leaving dry areas and follow the method established by the Quran and Sahih Hadith.
Read full lessonHow to Wash the Arms in Wudu
غَسْلُ الْيَدَيْنِ إِلَى الْمِرْفَقَيْنِ
Learn how to wash both arms up to and including the elbows during Wudu, begin with the right arm and avoid leaving commonly missed areas dry.
Read full lessonHow to Wipe the Head in Wudu
مَسْحُ الرَّأْسِ وَالْأُذُنَيْنِ
Learn how to wipe the head correctly during Wudu with fresh water, move both hands from front to back and return them, and wipe the ears according to Sahih evidence.
Read full lessonHow to Wash the Feet in Wudu
غَسْلُ الرِّجْلَيْنِ إِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ
Learn how to wash the feet correctly in Wudu, including the ankles, heels, toes and spaces between them, according to the Quran and authentic Sunnah.
Read full lessonWudu Questions and Answers
How do you perform Wudu step by step?
Begin with the intention to purify yourself for worship, say Bismillah, wash the hands, rinse the mouth, clean the nose, wash the face and arms, wipe the head and wash the feet. Follow each step carefully and avoid leaving required areas dry.
What is the correct order of Wudu?
This guide follows the commonly taught order: intention and Bismillah, hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, wiping the head and washing the feet. Some detailed rulings differ among schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
What are the main required actions of Wudu?
Quran 5:6 identifies washing the face, washing the arms to the elbows, wiping the head and washing the feet to the ankles. Consult a qualified teacher or scholar for detailed rulings followed by your school of jurisprudence.
Is Wudu required before every Salah?
A new Wudu is not required for every prayer if the existing Wudu remains valid. A person can pray with the same valid Wudu until it is broken.
What commonly breaks Wudu?
Common nullifiers include using the toilet, passing wind, deep sleep and loss of consciousness. Some details vary among schools of jurisprudence, so personal questions should be referred to a qualified scholar.
What does Wudu mean in Islam?
Wudu, also written Wudhu, is the ritual ablution in Islam performed as purification before Salah and certain other acts of worship.