How to Do Wudu Step by Step — Complete Islamic Guide with Duas

What is Wudu?

Wudu (وضوء — also spelt Wuzu or Wudhu) is the Islamic act of ritual purification (ablution) performed using clean water before Salah (prayer), touching the Quran, and certain other acts of worship. It is a Fard (obligatory) requirement — without valid Wudu, your prayer is not accepted.

Allah says in the Quran (5:6): "O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles."

What Breaks Wudu?

Before learning how to make Wudu, understand what invalidates it:

• Passing wind, urine, or stool
• Loss of consciousness (sleep, fainting)
• Sexual discharge
• Direct skin contact with the opposite gender (according to some madhabs)

How to Do Wudu — Step by Step (with Duas)

Step 1: Make the Intention (Niyyah)

Make the intention in your heart to purify yourself for the sake of Allah. You do not need to say it aloud — the intention is in the heart. This is a Fard step.

Step 2: Say Bismillah

"Bismillah" — "In the name of Allah"

Begin by saying Bismillah. Some scholars consider this Sunnah; others Wajib (necessary).

Step 3: Wash Hands (3 times)

Wash both hands up to and including the wrists — three times each. Make sure water reaches between the fingers.

Step 4: Rinse the Mouth (3 times)

Take water into the mouth, swirl it around, and spit it out — three times. This is called Madmadah.

Step 5: Clean the Nose (3 times)

Sniff water into the nose and blow it out — three times. This is called Istinshaq. Use the left hand to blow the nose.

Step 6: Wash the Face (3 times)

Wash the entire face — from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear — three times. Make sure water reaches every part.

Step 7: Wash the Arms (3 times)

Wash the right arm from the tips of the fingers up to and including the elbow — three times. Repeat for the left arm. Make sure water covers every part including the inner elbow.

Step 8: Wipe the Head (Masah) — once

Wet your hands and wipe over the entire head — front to back and back to front — once. This is called Masah al-Raas.

Then wipe the inner part of both ears with the index fingers and the outer part with the thumbs.

Step 9: Wash the Feet (3 times)

Wash the right foot from toes to and including the ankle — three times. Make sure water reaches between the toes. Repeat for the left foot.

Step 10: Recite the Dua After Wudu

"Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh"

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever performs Wudu properly and then says this dua — all 8 gates of Paradise will be opened for him to enter through whichever he wishes." — Sahih Muslim 234

Wudu Chart — Quick Reference

Common Mistakes in Wudu

• Not covering the elbows: The elbow must be washed — "up to and including"
• Not washing between fingers and toes: Water must reach every part
• Too quick Masah: The head wipe must cover the full head (front to back)
• Washing the neck: Not part of Wudu in any authentic hadith
• Wasting water: The Prophet ﷺ used minimal water for Wudu