How to Perform Wudu (Wazu) Step by Step
Quick Overview
Wudu (ablution) is the Islamic procedure for washing parts of the body before formal prayers (Salah). It is a mandatory requirement for prayer.
The 4 Fard (Obligatory) Acts
If any of these are missed, the Perform is invalid.
- •Washing the entire face once.
- •Washing both arms including the elbows once.
- •Wiping (Masah) at least a quarter of the head.
- •Washing both feet including the ankles once.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1Intention (Niyyah) & Bismillah
Make the intention in your heart to perform Wudu for the sake of Allah. Say 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before beginning.
Step 2Wash Hands to Wrists
Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, starting with the right hand. Ensure water reaches between the fingers.
Step 3Rinse the Mouth
Take water into your mouth using your right hand, swish it around thoroughly, and spit it out. Repeat this 3 times.
Step 4Sniff Water into the Nose
Sniff water lightly into your nostrils using your right hand, and blow it out using your left hand. Repeat this 3 times.
Step 5Wash the Face (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)Wash your entire face 3 times. The face boundaries are from the hairline to the chin, and from earlobe to earlobe. Doing this at least once is Fard (Obligatory).
Washing the face completely at least once is 1 of the 4 Fard of Wudu.
Step 6Wash Arms to the Elbows (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)Wash your right arm from the fingertips up to and including the elbow 3 times. Then do the same for the left arm. Washing them at least once is Fard.
Washing both arms including the elbows at least once is 1 of the 4 Fard of Wudu.
Step 7Wipe the Head (Masah) (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)Wet your hands and wipe them over your head, starting from the front hairline down to the back of the neck. Wiping at least 1/4 of the head is Fard.
Wiping at least a quarter of the head is 1 of the 4 Fard of Wudu.
Step 8Wipe the Ears
Using the same water from wiping your head, use your index fingers to wipe the inside folds of your ears, and your thumbs to wipe the back of your ears.
Step 9Wash Feet to the Ankles (FARD)
Fard (Obligatory)Wash your right foot up to and including the ankle 3 times, ensuring water goes between the toes. Repeat with the left foot. Washing them at least once is Fard.
Washing both feet including the ankles at least once is the 4th Fard of Wudu.
Step 10The Shahadah (Dua)
After completing Wudu, look towards the sky (optional) and recite the Shahadah: 'Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.'
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Leaving a dry spot on the elbows or ankles (which invalidates the Wudu).
- ✕Wasting too much water by leaving the tap running.
- ✕Talking unnecessarily during the ablution.
- ✕Forgetting to ensure water reaches the skin under rings, watches, or thick nail polish.
Scriptural Basis
Quranic Context
"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... (Quran 5:6)"
Hadith Context
"The Prophet (PBUH) said: 'The prayer of a person who does not perform Wudu is not valid.' (Abu Dawud)"