How to Perform Wudu Step by Step – Complete Guide to Ritual Ablution

1. Intention (Niyyah) & Saying Bismillah

Form the intention in your heart to purify yourself for prayer and say “Bismillāh” (In the Name of Allah).

2. Wash Both Hands up to the Wrists (3×)

Wash your hands thoroughly three times, making sure water reaches between the fingers.

3. Rinse the Mouth (3×)

Take water with your right hand and swirl it inside your mouth three times.

4. Rinse the Nose (3×)

Gently draw water into your nostrils with your right hand and blow it out using your left hand three times.

5. Wash the Entire Face (3× — Obligatory)

Wash from the hairline down to the chin and from ear to ear three times.

6. Wash Both Forearms Including Elbows (3× — Obligatory)

Wash the right arm from fingertips past the elbow three times, then repeat on the left arm.

7. Wipe Over the Head & Ears (1× — Obligatory)

Wet your hands and wipe smoothly over your head from front to back, then wipe inside and behind both ears.

8. Wash Both Feet Including Ankles (3× — Obligatory)

Wash the right foot then the left foot up to and including the ankles three times, cleaning between the toes and heels.

9. Recite the Shahada & Post-Wudu Dua

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ — اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ التَّوَّابِينَ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ

Recite: “Ashhadu an lā ilāha illallāh waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhu wa rasūluh. Allāhummajʿalnī minat-tawwābīna wajʿalnī minal-mutaṭahhirīn.”