The steps of wudu (ablution) are taught in the Qur’an and explained by the Prophet ﷺ in detail. Wudu is the key to prayer, and this article lists the steps in order, with their evidence and the main differences between the schools.
The Qur’anic Command
“O you who believe, when you rise to pray, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles.”
Reference: Qur’an 5:6
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Purification is half of faith” (Sahih Muslim 223) and “Allah does not accept prayer without purification” (Sahih al-Bukhari 135).
The Steps of Wudu in Order
These steps follow the description of ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan ؓ, who showed how the Prophet ﷺ made wudu (Sahih al-Bukhari 159, Sahih Muslim 226).
- Make the intention in the heart to purify yourself for prayer.
- Say “Bismillah.”
- Wash both hands up to the wrists three times.
- Rinse the mouth three times.
- Sniff water into the nose and blow it out, three times.
- Wash the face three times, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.
- Wash the arms up to and including the elbows, right then left, three times.
- Wipe the head once with wet hands, and wipe the ears.
- Wash the feet up to and including the ankles, right then left, three times.
- Say the closing dua: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone with no partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger” (Sahih Muslim 234).
The Reward of Wudu
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs wudu like this wudu of mine and prays two rak’ahs without letting his mind wander, his past sins will be forgiven” (Sahih al-Bukhari 159). He also said that when a believer washes his face, the sins he looked at come out with the water, and the same applies to the hands and feet (Sahih Muslim 244).
Where the Schools Differ
All schools agree on washing the face, arms and feet and wiping the head, but they differ on the list of obligatory acts and the sunnah acts. The Hanafis count four obligations, with wiping a quarter of the head. The Malikis count seven, including intention, rubbing and wiping the whole head. The Shafi’is count six, including intention and order, and wiping part of the head. The Hanbalis count six, including rinsing the mouth and nose, wiping the whole head, order and continuity. They also differ on what breaks wudu: touching a woman breaks it according to the Shafi’is, only with desire according to the Malikis and Hanbalis, and not at all according to the Hanafis, while the Hanafis count flowing blood as a breaker and the Hanbalis count eating camel meat. Follow the school you were taught, and read more in the sunnah of wudu and its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main steps of wudu?
Intention, washing hands, rinsing mouth and nose, washing face and arms, wiping head and ears, and washing feet.
How many times should each part be washed?
Three times is the sunnah, once is the obligation, and twice is also reported (Sahih al-Bukhari 157).
What if water is not available?
Tayammum is allowed. See our guide on how to perform tayammum.
Conclusion
Learning the steps of wudu correctly helps you to protect the validity of your prayer. Make it with calm and sincerity, and prepare for what comes next in what to do before Salah.
