Wudu (Ablution) in Islam

How to Perform Wudu (Ablution) in Islam

• Niyyah (intention) to perform wudu should be made in the heart, focused on the phrase "Bismillah" (in the name of Allah).
• Wash hands, using left hand to wash right hand and vice versa, three times, making sure to wash in between fingers and up to wrists.
• Cup water into mouth three times, swishing it around in cheeks.
• Inhale water into nose and blow out three times, without choking oneself. Use safe water to avoid rare but fatal brain infection caused by amoeba, Naegleria fowleri.
• Wash face three times, spreading hands from right ear to left and from hairline to chin.
• Wash lower arms from wrists to elbows, three times each, with right arm washed by left hand and left arm washed by right hand.
• Clean head by wiping it once with wet hands from forehead to back, and then wiping it again from back to forehead.
• Wipe ears inside and out with thumb, one time.
• Wash both feet up to ankles, making sure water goes between toes and eliminating anything between toes with pinky finger. Scrub each foot three times, starting with right foot.
• Memorize the order of steps to perform wudu accurately, known as Tarthib.
• Recite du'as after wudu, including testifying to the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad, seeking forgiveness, and turning to Allah for repentance.
• Nullified wudu should be repeated before praying, with actions that nullify wudu including natural discharges, excessive bleeding, gas, and deep sleep. Intercourse requires additional purification known as Ghusul.