How to Make Wudu
Wudu (ritual ablution) is required before performing salah. Without it, prayer is not valid.
"Allah does not accept the prayer of anyone of you if he has had a minor impurity, until he performs wudu."
Step-by-Step Wudu
- Make the intention (Niyyah) in your heart — that you are performing wudu for the sake of Allah. No need to say it aloud.
- Say Bismillah — "In the name of Allah."
- Wash both hands up to the wrists, three times, starting with the right.
- Rinse the mouth — take water in your right hand and rinse thoroughly, three times.
- Rinse the nostrils — sniff water gently into the nose and blow out, three times.
- Wash the face — from the hairline to the chin, and from ear to ear, three times.
- Wash the right arm from fingertips to and including the elbow, three times. Then the left arm the same way.
- Wipe the head — wet your hands and wipe from the front to the back of the head and back, once.
- Wipe the ears — use the index fingers inside the ears and thumbs behind, once.
- Wash the right foot to and including the ankle, three times. Then the left foot the same way.
After Wudu
It is Sunnah to recite after wudu:
Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger."
What Breaks Wudu?
- Using the toilet (urine, stool)
- Passing gas
- Deep sleep (where you are no longer aware)
- Loss of consciousness
- Emission of sexual fluid
When Water is Unavailable — Tayammum
If water is genuinely not available, or you are ill and cannot use water, Islam permits Tayammum — dry ablution using clean earth or dust. Strike clean earth or a stone wall with both palms, wipe the face once, then wipe the backs of the hands. This is a mercy from Allah.
"Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favour upon you."