Learn the correct way to perform wudu before prayer. Complete guide with Arabic duas, transliteration and English translation based on the Quran and Sunnah.
Wudu (الوضوء) is the Islamic act of washing specific body parts with water as a preparation for prayer (salah) and other acts of worship. It is a condition for the validity of prayer. Allah says in the Quran:
"O you who believe, when you rise for prayer, wash your faces and your hands to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles." — Quran 5:6
Make the intention in your heart to perform wudu for the sake of Allah. Then say "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah) before starting.
Wash both hands up to the wrists three times. Make sure water passes between all fingers.
Take water into your mouth using the right hand and rinse it thoroughly, swirling it around. Do this three times.
Sniff water gently into your nostrils with the right hand, then blow it out using the left hand. Do this three times.
Wash the entire face from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear. Ensure water reaches every part of the face, including the eyebrows and beard. Do this three times.
Wash the right arm from the fingertips to and including the elbow three times. Then wash the left arm in the same manner three times. Start with the right arm first.
With wet hands, wipe the entire head starting from the front (hairline) to the back of the head, then back to the front. Do this once.
Using the remaining moisture, wipe the inside of both ears with the index fingers and the outside of the ears with the thumbs. Do this once.
Wash the right foot up to and including the ankle three times, making sure water passes between all toes. Then wash the left foot in the same way three times.
After completing wudu, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to recite the following supplication:
Ashhadu an la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh. Allahumma-j'alni minat-tawwabin waj'alni minal-mutatahhirin.
I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. O Allah, make me among those who repent and make me among those who purify themselves.
Sahih Muslim 234, At-Tirmidhi 55
Your wudu is invalidated by the following:
Note: Light sleep while seated does not break wudu according to many scholars. If in doubt, it is recommended to renew your wudu.