How to Do Wudu Properly | Step-by-Step Guide

Wudu, or ablution, is a fundamental aspect of Islamic practice. It is a ritual of purification performed by Muslims before engaging in prayer and other specific acts of worship. This practice holds great significance in Islam, symbolizing both physical and spiritual cleanliness. Understanding how to do wudu is essential for new converts and lifelong Muslims alike. In this blog post, we will explore how to do wudu properly and provide a comprehensive guide to its essentials and practice.

The Need for Ablution in Islam

Ablution is so important for prayer that there is no prayer without it. On the contrary, the scholars call him an infidel man who intentionally performs prayer without wudu. This is because the one who prays without ablution or ritual shower disrespected and insulted the worship. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that the key to Paradise is prayer and the key to prayer is purity. If water is not available then one should perform tayamum.

The Virtues of Wudu

Many virtues of Wudu have been mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadith.

Virtue of ablution in Quran: The guidance is from the Almighty in the Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ فَاغْسِلُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَامْسَحُوا بِرُءُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ ۚ

“O you who believe, when you intend to pray, wash your face, wash your hands up to your elbows And wipe the heads and wash the feet, including the ankles”. [Quran]

Virtue of ablution in Hadith: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) described many virtues of wudu in Hadith by saying:

“On the Day of Resurrection, my ummah will be called in such a state that their faces, hands, and feet will be shining with ablution So let them shine as much as they can”. [Bukhari& Muslim]

Wudu washes away the sins: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“When a Muslim rinses his mouth, the sins of the mouth fall away by washing it, And when he put water in his nose and cleansed it, his sins of nose come out, when he washes his face, the sins of the face and even the sins of eyelids wash away, when he washes his hands, the sins of the hands even nails wash away, when he wipes the head, the sins of the head are come out. Until it comes out of the ears and when he washes his feet, the sins of the feet fall away, and his walk toward the mosque and praying, forgive his sins more than that.

The Holy Qur’an mentions only four essentials of ablution, but the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught the ummah steps of wudu in order, which is as follows:

• Intention (Niyyah)

The first step in performing wudu is making a sincere intention (niyyah). This intention should be in your heart, acknowledging that you are performing wudu to purify yourself for the sake of Allah.

• Washing the Hands

Begin with reciting Bismillah and wash both hands up to the wrists three times. Ensure that water reaches between the fingers.

• Rinsing the Mouth

Next, take a handful of water into your mouth and swish it around three times. This step helps cleanse your mouth and prepare it for recitation of Quranic verses.

• Cleaning the Nostrils

Using your right hand, gently sniff water into your nostrils and then expel it using your left hand. Repeat this process three times to cleanse the nasal passages.

• Washing the Face

Wash your entire face from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear three times. Make sure the water reaches every part of your face, including the corners of your eyes.

• Washing the Arms

Wash your right arm from the fingertips to the elbow three times, ensuring that water covers the entire arm. Repeat the same process with your left arm.

• Wiping the Head

With wet hands, wipe your head in one motion, starting from the forehead to the back and then back to the front. This step is performed once.

• Cleaning the Ears

Using your wet fingers, clean the inside of your ears by inserting your index fingers and wiping around. Then, use your thumbs to clean the outer part of your ears.

• Washing the Feet

Finally, wash your feet three times, starting from the right foot up to the ankle, ensuring that water reaches between the fingers. Repeat the same process with your left foot. By following these steps to perform wudu correctly, you can attain both physical and spiritual purification.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Eight gates of heaven are open for those whoever recites this dua after making wudu:

اشْهَدُ انْ لّآ اِلهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ وَحْدَه لَا شَرِيْكَ لَه، وَ اَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدً اعَبْدُهوَرَسُولُه

NOTE: If a man has a thick beard, he should wash his beard from the top and wet it with fingers till the roots of the hairs and if it is short, he should wash the whole beard to the inside.

Essentials of Wudhu

The above verse of the Holy Qur’an proves the four mandatory conditions of ablution. Ablution is not performed without these essentials. Here are four essentials of how to do Wudu;

1. Washing the face
2. Wash both arms, including the elbows
3. Wiping the head
4. Wash both feet, including the ankles

How to do Wudu for Women

The method of wudu for women is the same as for men, with a slight difference. A woman should wipe her head so that she wipes her hair from the beginning of the forehead to the neck. It is not necessary to wipe the hair hanging on the waist.

Conclusion

Wudu is more than just a ritual; it is a holistic practice that enhances spiritual connection and overall well-being. By understanding how to do wudu, its significance, essentials, and after wudu dua, many Muslims can fully benefit from this sacred act of worship.

For further guidance on wudu and other aspects of Islamic education and practices, consider reaching out to knowledgeable tutors. May your journey in faith be blessed and fulfilling.