1. Niyyah (Intention)
Arabic Niyyah:
نويت الوضوء
Translation: "I intend to perform Wudu " (Note: Niyyah is in the heart; it's not said aloud but this is the general intention.)
2. Washing Hands
How to wash:
Wash both hands thoroughly up to the wrists. Ensure no part of the hand is left unwashed.
How many times: Wash the hands three times.
Hadith: "When any one of you performs Wudu, he should wash his hands up to the wrists." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 164)
Dua when washing hands:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (Bismillah) - "In the name of Allah"
3. Rinsing the Mouth
How to wash:
Take water into your mouth and rinse thoroughly.
How many times: Three times.
Hadith: "He should rinse his mouth and nose." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 163)
Dua when rinsing mouth:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (Bismillah) - "In the name of Allah"
4. Cleaning the Nose
How to wash:
Take water into the nostrils, sniff it in, and then blow it out.
How many times: Three times.
Hadith: "He should snuff water into his nose and blow it out." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 164)
Dua when cleaning nose:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (Bismillah) - "In the name of Allah"
5. Washing the Face
How to wash:
Wash the entire face, ensuring that it includes the area between the forehead and the chin, and from ear to ear.
How many times: Once.
Hadith: "Wash the face, and that includes from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear." (Sahih Muslim, 243)
Dua when washing face:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (Bismillah) - "In the name of Allah"
6. Washing the Arms
How to wash:
Wash the right arm from fingertips to the elbow, followed by the left arm.
How many times: Three times each arm.
Hadith: "Wash your arms up to the elbows." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 165)
Dua when washing arms:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (Bismillah) - "In the name of Allah"
7. Wiping the Head
How to wash:
Wipe your head with your wet hands from the front of the head to the back and then return your hands to the front.
How many times: Once.
Hadith: "Wipe over the head." (Sahih Muslim, 243)
Dua when wiping head:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (Bismillah) - "In the name of Allah"
8. Wiping the Ears
How to wash:
Wipe both ears (inside and outside) with the same wet hands used for wiping the head.
How many times: Once.
Hadith: "Wipe over the head and ears." (Sahih Muslim, 243)
Dua when wiping ears:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (Bismillah) - "In the name of Allah"
9. Washing the Feet
How to wash:
Wash the feet up to the ankles, including between the toes.
How many times: Three times.
Hadith: "Wash your feet up to the ankles." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 165)
Dua when washing feet:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (Bismillah) - "In the name of Allah"
After Wudu - Dua
Arabic Dua:
سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ، اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ التَّوَابِينَ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ المُتَطَهِّرِينَ
Translation: "Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise is to You. I bear witness that there is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance. O Allah, make me among those who repent and purify themselves." (Sunan Ibn Majah, 444)
Conclusion
Performing Wudu is a vital ritual for Muslims to purify themselves before prayers. It’s a simple yet important act of worship. Following the steps outlined above, with sincerity and devotion, helps in maintaining both spiritual and physical cleanliness. May Allah accept your acts of worship and keep you in His protection.
