How to Perform Wudu (Ablution) Step by Step for Prayer
By Hikmah Noor Editorial • 9/5/2026
Wudu (ablution) is the purification before prayer. It must be in order with intention (niyyah) for Allah.
Wudu steps
- Intention in heart, say Bismillah.
- Wash hands 3 times to wrists.
- Rinse mouth 3 times, nose 3 times (sniff and blow).
- Wash face 3 times, ear to ear, hairline to chin.
- Wash arms to elbows 3 times, right then left.
- Wipe head once, wipe ears with wet fingers.
- Wash feet to ankles 3 times, right then left, between toes.
Dua after wudu
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah… — I bear witness none is worthy of worship but Allah, and Muhammad is His servant and messenger.
Tips
Use little water, ensure water reaches all parts, keep order, renew if broken. Wudu also brings spiritual calm before standing in prayer.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What breaks wudu?
Natural discharges, deep sleep, loss of consciousness, and passing wind, among others — then wudu should be renewed.
What is the dua after wudu?
Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.