Making Wudu: Step by Step Guide

One must make the intention to perform wudu. The minimum required intention is “I intend wudu”, and that it exists in the heart; though it is recommended to verbalize it. 

It is obligatory for the intent to persist until one finishes washing the face(on step 3).

Duaa Before Wudu:    بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ

       “Bismillah”

           Translation: "In the name of Allah"

It is recommended to first wash the hands three times over before commencing the next steps. Right hand first(3x), then left hand(3x)

One rinses one’s mouth(3x) and nose(3x), and then washes one’s face from the beginning of the hairline to the chin, and from ear to ear.

It is recommended to wash the face 3 times.

One washes the arms up to and including the elbows. It is recommended to do so three times, first the right arm then the left.

One wipes the head with wet hands, beginning at the front of the head, sliding the paired hands back to the nape of the neck, and then returning to where one began. It is recommended to do this 3 times.

If one is bald, or never grew, or is long, or braided, then it’s not recommended to slide the hands back to the front.

For women who wear hijab, it suffices according to the Shafi’i school to wipe a small part of the head that the scalp or part of the hair on the head is wet.

One wipes the ears inside and out, and then the ear canal.

It’s recommended to do each 3 times.

One washes the feet(right first) up to and including the ankles.

It is recommended to do so 3 times.

اشهد أن لا إله الا الله وأشهد أن محمد عبده ورسوله اللهم أجعلني من التوابين واجعلني من المتطهرين 

“Ash-hadu Anna La ilaaha illa Allah, wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammed Aabdu-hu wa Rasulo-hu Allahuma ij’alni Mina attawabeen wa ij’alni mina al-mutatahiren. “ 

Translation: I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is his servant and his messenger. O Allah, please make me from those who repent and those who are cleaned.

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