Steps of Wudu (Ablution) in Islam

Wudu is a purification ritual in Islam that a Muslim performs to cleanse themselves in preparation for prayer and other acts of worship. The details of wudu are mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Below is a simplified explanation of the steps, along with examples to illustrate how to perform it.

1. Intention (Niyyah)

The first step of wudu is to intend in your heart to perform it as an act of worship for the sake of Allah.

Example: If you intend to pray, you make a silent resolution in your heart to perform wudu for that purpose without verbally articulating the intention.

2. Saying “Bismillah” (In the Name of Allah)

Start the wudu by saying: “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah).

Example: Before washing your hands, say “Bismillah” to invoke Allah’s blessings on your wudu.

3. Washing the Hands

Wash both hands up to the wrists three times. This is a Sunnah (recommended act) of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Example: Open the tap and wash your hands thoroughly, ensuring the water reaches between the fingers.

4. Rinsing the Mouth (Madhmadah)

Take water into your mouth and rinse it thoroughly three times.

Example: Take a handful of water, swish it around in your mouth, and then spit it out.

5. Sniffing Water into the Nose (Istinshaq) and Blowing It Out (Istinthar)

Sniff water into your nose (istinshaq) and then blow it out (istinthar) three times.

Example: Use your right hand to take water, gently sniff it into your nostrils, and use your left hand to expel it.

6. Washing the Face

Wash your entire face three times, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.

Example: Take water in your hands and ensure it covers your entire face, including all corners and edges.

7. Washing the Arms Up to the Elbows

Wash your right arm first, from the fingertips to the elbow, three times. Then do the same with your left arm.

Example: Pour water over your right arm, rub it thoroughly to ensure the entire arm, including the elbow, is washed, and then repeat with your left arm.

8. Wiping the Head

Wipe your head with wet hands once.

Example: Wet your hands, then pass them from the front of your head to the back and return them to the front.

9. Wiping the Ears

Wipe both ears once, inside and out, using your wet hands.

Example: With the same wet hands, use your index fingers to clean the inside of your ears and your thumbs to wipe the outer parts.

10. Washing the Feet Up to the Ankles

Wash your right foot first, including the toes and ankle, three times, and then repeat with your left foot.

Example: Pour water over your right foot, ensuring water reaches between the toes, and then repeat with the left foot.

Important Notes:

The order of these steps is obligatory and must be followed.
Continuity is essential; there should be no long gaps between the steps.
Maintain the intention of purification throughout the process.

The Qur’anic Verse on Wudu

Allah says in the Qur’an:

By completing these steps, a Muslim is spiritually and physically prepared for prayer and other acts of worship, attaining the purity that Allah loves.