How to Wash the Arms in Wudu

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.

Washing The Arms In Wudu

After washing the face, wash both arms completely from the fingertips to and including the elbows.

The Arabic expression is:

غَسْلُ الْيَدَيْنِ إِلَى الْمِرْفَقَيْنِ

Ghaslul-yadayn ilal-mirfaqayn.

Washing both arms up to the elbows.

This is different from washing the hands at the beginning of Wudu. The earlier step washes the hands through the wrists. This step includes the hands again and continues along the forearms until the elbows have been washed.

THE COMMAND IN QURAN 5:6

Allah commands believers in Quran 5:6 to wash their faces and their arms up to the elbows when preparing for prayer.

The elbows are included in the washing. Do not stop just before reaching them.

This is one of the clearly commanded actions of Wudu. Water must flow over the required area rather than merely touching it with damp fingers.

The Authentic Prophetic Method

Sahih al-Bukhari 164 records the detailed Wudu demonstrated by Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه.

After washing his face three times, Uthman washed his forearms up to the elbows three times. He then wiped his head and washed his feet. He explained that he had seen the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ perform Wudu in that manner.

Sahih Muslim 226a provides an even more detailed description. Uthman washed his right arm up to the elbow three times and then washed his left arm in the same way. After completing the Wudu, he stated that he had seen the Messenger of Allah ﷺ perform Wudu like this.

These authentic reports establish the order, the inclusion of the elbows, beginning with the right arm and the complete three-wash method.

How To Wash The Right Arm

Follow this practical method:

1. Take clean water in the right or cupped hands.
2. Let the water reach the right fingertips and hand.
3. Spread it over the palm and back of the hand.
4. Move the water along the wrist and forearm.
5. Continue until the entire elbow has been washed.
6. Turn the arm so water reaches every side.
7. Repeat three times when following the complete method.

Using the left hand to spread water over the right arm helps reach its underside and elbow.

Do not assume that water running along only one side has automatically covered the entire arm.

How To Wash The Left Arm

After completing the right arm, wash the left arm in the same way:

1. Begin from the fingertips and hand.
2. Wash the wrist.
3. Continue along every side of the forearm.
4. Wash the complete elbow.
5. Repeat three times when following the complete method.

Use the right hand to help spread water over the left arm.

Right Arm Before Left

Sahih Muslim 226a specifically describes Uthman washing the right arm first and then the left arm.

Following this order is a clear and practical way to reproduce the complete Prophetic Wudu.

Both arms must be washed. Beginning with the right does not reduce the importance of washing the left completely.

Include The Hands Again

Some learners begin this step at the wrists because they already washed their hands at the start of Wudu.

However, when washing the arms, the complete area should be covered from the fingertips through the elbows. Washing the hands earlier does not justify leaving them out of this commanded arm wash.

Allow water to reach:

- Fingertips
- Nails
- Spaces between fingers
- Palms
- Backs of hands
- Wrists
- Full forearms
- Elbows

Areas Commonly Left Dry

Pay special attention to:

- Between the fingers
- Around rings
- The base of the thumbs
- The wrist creases
- The underside of the forearms
- The outer sides of the arms
- The pointed and folded areas of the elbows

A quick stream running down the top of the arm may not reach its underside. Turn the arm and spread water carefully.

Including The Elbows

The elbow joint must be washed.

Move loose sleeves high enough that they do not cover the elbow. If clothing becomes wet around the edge but water does not reach the elbow itself, the required area has not been properly washed.

Passing water slightly beyond the elbow is a practical way to ensure the entire elbow has been included. It should not become excessive washing far up the upper arm because of doubts.

ONE, TWO OR THREE WASHES

Sahih al-Bukhari 157 reports that the Prophet ﷺ performed Wudu by washing the body parts once.

Sahih al-Bukhari 158 reports that he washed them twice.

Sahih al-Bukhari 164 and Sahih Muslim 226a describe washing the arms three times in the complete Wudu demonstrated by Uthman.

Therefore:

- One complete wash is authentically established.
- Two complete washes are authentically established.
- Three complete washes are the detailed complete method.
- Do not exceed three because of unnecessary doubts.

Every counted wash should cover the full arm. Three incomplete splashes do not equal three complete washes.

WATCHES, RINGS AND SLEEVES

Remove or move anything that prevents water from reaching the required skin.

A tight watch may cover the wrist. A ring may prevent water from reaching beneath it. Tight sleeves may stop water before the elbow.

Move these items and verify that water reaches the skin. Merely wetting the clothing or object is not the same as washing the covered area.

If a medical dressing cannot safely be removed, seek guidance from a qualified scholar regarding the ruling for wiping or another concession.

Waterproof Barriers

Paint, glue, thick cosmetics or another solid waterproof layer can prevent water from reaching the skin.

Remove genuine barriers before Wudu where possible. A stain that only changes the skin’s colour is different from a layer blocking water.

When uncertain about a product, test whether water reaches the skin and consult a qualified scholar.

Spiritual Reward Of Washing The Arms

Sahih Muslim 244 explains that when a believer washes the hands during Wudu, sins committed by them leave with the water or its final drop.

This authentic teaching reminds the believer that the hands should be protected from injustice, harm, dishonesty and other sins.

Wash the arms with hope in Allah’s mercy while intending to use them for actions that are lawful and beneficial.

Brightness On The Day Of Resurrection

Sahih Muslim 246a reports Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه performing Wudu carefully and washing the right and left arms thoroughly. The narration mentions the brightness of the believers’ faces, hands and feet on the Day of Resurrection because of Wudu.

This encourages complete purification without carelessness.

The definite required boundary remains the elbows as commanded in Quran 5:6. Do not turn additional washing into anxiety or claim that unnecessarily excessive washing is required.

Use Water Responsibly

Complete washing does not require a powerful stream.

Use enough water to cover the arm, spread it with the opposite hand and reduce the tap flow when possible.

Three controlled washes can use less water than one careless wash under a constantly running tap.

Common Mistakes

Do not stop washing at the wrists.

Do not leave the hands out because they were washed earlier.

Do not wash only the upper surface of each arm.

Do not leave the elbow dry.

Do not wash the left arm carelessly after completing the right.

Do not count an incomplete splash as a full wash.

Do not exceed three washes because of baseless doubt.

Do not leave watches, rings or sleeves blocking the water.

Do not waste water.

Practice Drill

Right arm:

Wash from fingertips to elbow. Turn the arm and check every side.

Left arm:

Repeat the same complete movement.

Second round:

Focus on wrists, thumbs and spaces between fingers.

Third round:

Focus on the undersides of the forearms and both elbows.

After three complete washes, proceed without unnecessary repetition.

Order Within Wudu

The sequence learned so far is:

- Intention and Bismillah
- Washing the hands
- Rinsing the mouth
- Cleaning the nose
- Washing the face
- Washing the right arm to the elbow
- Washing the left arm to the elbow

The next step is wiping the head.

Quick Review

Washing both arms is called غَسْلُ الْيَدَيْنِ إِلَى الْمِرْفَقَيْنِ.

Quran 5:6 commands washing the arms up to the elbows.

The hands and complete elbows must be included.

Sahih al-Bukhari 164 records washing the forearms to the elbows three times.

Sahih Muslim 226a specifies the right arm first and then the left.

Sahih al-Bukhari 157 and 158 establish one and two washes.

Sahih Muslim 244 describes sins leaving with the water.

Sahih Muslim 246a records careful arm washing and the brightness associated with complete Wudu.

Wash every side carefully, avoid waste and proceed next to wiping the head.