Wudu is not only a physical act of purification but also a spiritual one.
It prepares a Muslim to stand before Allah in prayer with a clean body and a focused mind. Muslims strive to perform Wudu with mindfulness and sincerity, recognizing it as a means of drawing closer to Allah and seeking His blessings and forgiveness.
Step 1: Begin with a Pure Intention (Niyyah):
The first step in Wudu is to make a pure and sincere intention in your heart.
You should have the intention of performing Wudu to purify yourself for prayer and to seek the pleasure of Allah.
Step 2: Say 'Bismillah' (In the Name of Allah):
Begin by reciting 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). This is a common Islamic phrase used before starting any important task.
Step 3: Wash Your Hands Three Times:
Start by washing your hands up to your wrists three times.
Ensure that water reaches every part, including between your fingers.
Step 4: Rinse Your Mouth Three Times:
Take a small amount of water in your right hand, bring it to your mouth, and rinse your mouth thoroughly three times. Ensure you do not swallow the water.
Step 5: Sniff Water into Your Nostrils Three Times:
Using your right hand again, sniff water into your nostrils and then blow it out gently three times. Be careful not to sniff too forcefully.
Step 6: Wash Your Face Three Times:
Wash your entire face three times, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.
Make sure every part of your face is covered, including your beard if you have one.
Step 7: Wash Your Forearms Up to the Elbows Three Times:
Start with your right arm, wash it up to the elbow three times, and then repeat the same for your left arm. Ensure that you reach every part of your arms.
Step 8: Wipe Your Head Once:
Wet your hands and then wipe your entire head with them once.
Start from the front and move to the back, and then back to the front.
Step 9: Clean Your Ears Once:
Use your wet index fingers to clean the inside of your ears, and use your thumbs to clean behind your ears. This should be done only once.
Step 10: Wash Your Feet Up to the Ankles Three Times:
Start with your right foot, washing it up to the ankle three times, and then repeat the same for your left foot.
Ensure that water reaches every part, including between your toes.
Step 11: Recite the Shahada:
After completing Wudu, it's recommended to recite the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith:
"Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadur rasulullah"
(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).
Additional Considerations:
After Using the Toilet
After relieving oneself in the bathroom, it is obligatory to perform a specific step called Istinja (cleaning with water or tissue).
Istinja should be done before starting Wudu.