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Wudu — How to Perform Ablution

Step-by-step guide to performing Wudu correctly according to the Sunnah.

6 Steps ~5 minutes Worship

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Make the intention in your heart to perform wudu for the sake of Allah. Words are not required.

Quran 5:6

نَوَيْتُ الْوُضُوءَ لِإِزَالَةِ الْحَدَثِ

The intention must be made before starting wudu. It is an act of the heart.

Note: Different schools have slightly different views on whether to verbalize the niyyah.

Recite Bismillah and wash your hands three times, ensuring water reaches between fingers.

Sahih Bukhari 159

بِسْمِ اللهِ

It is recommended to wash the hands up to the wrists three times.

Rinse mouth three times, then sniff water up into nose and blow out three times.

Quran 5:6

وَمُدَّحٍ بِفَمِكَ وَاَسْتَنْشِقْ

Ensure thorough rinsing. Use siwak before wudu if available.

Wash entire face three times — hairline to chin, ear to ear.

Quran 5:6

وَاغْسِلُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ

Ensure water reaches every part including behind ears and around nose.

Note: If you have a beard, wash visible parts.

Wash right arm then left arm up to and including elbows, three times each.

Quran 5:6

وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ

Start with right arm first. Ensure water reaches between fingers.

Wipe head once with wet hands, then wash feet up to ankles three times each.

Quran 5:6

وَامْسَحُوا بِرُءُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ

Ensure water reaches between toes and all of the foot.

Note: If wearing khuffs, wipe over them according to Hanafi school.

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