How to Make Wudu (الوضوء)

Make the intention in your heart to perform wudu for purification.

The intention is made in the heart, not spoken aloud. Simply intend that you are performing wudu to purify yourself for prayer or worship.

Say 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah) before beginning.

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'There is no wudu for one who does not mention Allah's name upon it.' Saying Bismillah is highly recommended (wajib according to some scholars).

Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, starting with the right hand.

Make sure water reaches between the fingers. Rub the hands together to ensure complete washing. Remove any rings that might prevent water from reaching the skin.

Take water into your mouth, rinse thoroughly, and spit it out. Repeat three times.

Use your right hand to take water. Swish the water around your mouth to clean it completely. This is called 'Madmadah'.

Inhale water into your nostrils using your right hand, then blow it out using your left hand. Repeat three times.

Sniff water gently into the nose (Istinshaq), then expel it (Istinthar). Don't inhale too deeply if you're fasting. Use your left hand to help expel the water.

Wash the entire face three times - from the hairline to the chin, and from ear to ear.

Make sure water reaches all parts of the face including the forehead, cheeks, and around the nose. For men with beards, run wet fingers through the beard.

Wash the right arm from fingertips to elbow (inclusive) three times. Then wash the left arm the same way.

Make sure water reaches above the elbow. Rub the arms to ensure complete coverage. The elbow must be washed as part of the arm.

Wet your hands and wipe over your entire head once - from the front to the back and back to the front.

Use both hands. Start from the forehead, wipe back to the nape of the neck, then bring the hands back to the front. This is done only once, not three times.

Using the same wetness on your hands, wipe the inside of the ears with your index fingers and the outside with your thumbs.

The ears are wiped with the remaining moisture, not fresh water. Insert index fingers into ear openings and wipe the back of the ears with the thumbs.

Wash the right foot up to and including the ankle three times, then the left foot. Make sure water reaches between the toes.

Use your left hand to rub between the toes. Start with the right foot. Make sure the heels and ankles are thoroughly washed. If wearing leather socks (khuff), wiping over them is permitted under certain conditions.