Wudu in Islam

Wudu in Islam is the ritual purification Muslims perform before prayer and other acts of worship, but How to perform Wudu in Islam?

What is Wudu in Islam?

In the Quran, Allah commands Muslims to purify themselves before approaching Him in prayer. This ritual washing involves the face, hands, arms, head, and feet, symbolizing the purification of the body as well as the soul. In addition, Wudu is necessary for the five daily prayers (Salah) and for reading or handling the Quran. Besides, the word Wudu in English comes from the Arabic word “وضوء,” which means cleanliness or purity.

How to Perform Wudu in Islam?

Performing Wudu follows a specific sequence of actions, outlined below. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing ablution for both men and women  as how to Perform Wudu for Females is similar to male:

1- Intention (Niyyah)

Begin by making a sincere intention in your heart that you are performing Wudu to worship Allah.

2- Say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah)

Start the process by saying “Bismillah,” acknowledging that you are seeking purification in the name of Allah.

3- Wash the Hands

Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, making sure water reaches between the fingers.

4- Rinse the Mouth

Rinse your mouth three times by taking a handful of water and swirling it in the mouth, then spitting it out.

5- Rinse the Nose

Inhale water gently into the nostrils and blow it out three times.

6- Wash the Face

Wash your entire face beginning from the forehead down and from ear to ear three times.

7- Wash the Arms

Wash the right arm from the wrist to the elbow three times, ensuring the entire arm is covered. Then, repeat on the left arm.

8- Wipe the Head (Masah)

Wet your hands and also wipe your head from the front to the back and back to the front once.

9- Wipe the Ears

With wet fingers, wipe the inside and outside of both ears.

10- Wash the Feet

Wash the right foot up to the ankle three times, making sure to wash between the toes. Then, repeat with the left foot.

Wudu dua

After completing Wudu, many Muslims recite a dua, which goes as follows:

“Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la shareeka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu.”
Translation: “I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and also I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”

Types of Ablution in Islam

In Islam, there are two primary types of purification:

Wudu (Minor Ablution): As outlined above, this involves washing specific parts of the body and is required for regular prayers and Quran recitation.

Ghusl (Major Ablution): Ghusl is a full-body ritual washing required in situations such as after sexual relations, menstruation, or childbirth. Ghusl is performed by thoroughly washing the entire body, ensuring no part is left dry.

What Breaks Wudu?

What Breaks Wudu for Women and men are equal. Some certain actions or occurrences break Wudu and require it to be renewed before the next prayer. The following are some common actions that break Wudu for both men and women such as:

• Relieving oneself (urination or defecation).
• Passing gas.
• Sleep (if it is deep enough to lose awareness).
• Bleeding or vomiting (if in significant quantities).
• Menstruation or post-natal bleeding: Women must perform a full-body Ghusl after menstruation or childbirth bleeding ends before they can perform prayers again.

In Conclusion, Wudu, or ablution, is a central practice in Islam that goes beyond physical cleanliness, embodying the concept of spiritual purity and readiness to stand before Allah in prayer.

Related posts: What is Sunnah in Islam?

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