How to do Wudu: Simple Pictorial Guide for Beginners
![how to do wudu](https://www.knowledgequran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Wudu-steps.png)
Wudu, or ablution, is a fundamental aspect of Islamic practice. It is a ritual of purification performed by Muslims before engaging in prayer and other specific acts of worship. This practice holds great significance in Islam, symbolizing both physical and spiritual cleanliness. For new converts and lifelong Muslims alike, understanding how to do wudu is essential. In this blog post, we will explore how to do wudu properly and provide a comprehensive guide to its essentilas and practice.
The Need for Ablution:
Ablution is so important for prayers that there is no prayer without it. On the contrary, the scholars call him an infidel man who intentionally performs prayer without wudu. This is because the one who prays without ablution or without ghusl (shower) has disrespected and insulted the worship. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that the key to Paradise is prayer and the key to prayer is purity.
The Virtues of Wudu
Many virtues of Wudu have been mentioned in Qur’an and Hadith.
The guidance is from the Almighty :
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ فَاغْسِلُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَامْسَحُوا بِرُءُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ ۚ
“O you who believe, when you intend to pray, wash your face, wash your hands up to your elbows And wipe the heads and wash the feet, including the ankles”. [Quran]
Virtue of Ablution in Hadith
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) described many virtues of wudu in Hadith by saying:
“On the Day of Resurrection, my ummah will be called in such a state that their faces, hands, and feet will be shining with ablution So let them shine as much as they can”. [Bukhari& Muslim]
Wudu Washes Away the Sins
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“When a Muslim rinses his mouth, the sins of the mouth fall away by washing it, And when he put water in his nose and cleansed it, his sins of nose come out, when he washes his face, the sins of the face and even the sins of eyelids wash away, when he washes his hands, the sins of the hands even nails wash away, when he wipes the head, the sins of the head are come out. Until it comes out of the ears and when he washes his feet, the sins of the feet fall away, and his walk toward the mosque and praying, forgive his sins more than that.
How to do Wudu Step by Step
The Holy Qur’an mentions only four essentials of ablution, but the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught the ummah steps of wudu in order, which is as follows:
- Intention (Niyyah)
The first step in performing wudu is making a sincere intention (niyyah). This intention should be in your heart, acknowledging that you are performing wudu to purify yourself for the sake of Allah.
- Washing the Hands
Begin with reciting Bismillah and wash both hands up to the wrists three times. Ensure that water reaches between the fingers.
- Rinsing the Mouth
Next, take a handful of water into your mouth and swish it around three times. This step helps cleanse your mouth and prepare it for recitation of Quranic verses.
- Cleaning the Nostrils
Using your right hand, gently sniff water into your nostrils and then expel it using your left hand. Repeat this process three times to cleanse the nasal passages.
- Washing the Face
Wash your entire face from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear three times. Make sure the water reaches every part of your face, including the corners of your eyes.
- Washing the Arms
Wash your right arm from the fingertips to the elbow three times, ensuring that water covers the entire arm. Repeat the same process with your left arm.
- Wiping the Head
With wet hands, wipe your head starting from the forehead to the back and then back to the front in one motion. This step is performed once.
- Cleaning the Ears
Using your wet fingers, clean the inside of your ears by inserting your index fingers and wiping around. Then, use your thumbs to clean the outer part of your ears.
- Washing the Feet
Finally, wash your feet, starting from the right foot, up to the ankle three times, ensuring that water reaches between the fingers. Repeat the same process with your left foot. By following these steps to perform wudu, you can perform wudu correctly and attain both physical and spiritual purification.
- Dua after Wudu
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Eight gates of heaven are open for those whoever recite this dua after making wudu:
اشْهَدُ انْ لّآ اِلهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ وَحْدَه لَا شَرِيْكَ لَه، وَ اَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدً اعَبْدُهوَرَسُولُه
NOTE: If a man has a thick beard, he should wash his beard from the top and wet it with fingers till the roots of the hairs and if it is short, he should wash the whole beard to the inside.
Essentials of Wudhu:
The above verse of the Holy Qur’an proves the four mandatory conditions of ablution. Ablution is not performed without these essentials. Here are four essentials of how to do Wudu;
- Washing the face
- Wash both arms, including the elbows
- Wiping the head
- Wash both feet, including the ankles
Also Read: Step by step method of Ghusl
How to do Wudu for Women
Method of wudu for women is same as for men with a bit difference. A woman should wipe her head in such a way that she wipes her hair from the beginning of the forehead to the neck. Not necessary to wipe the hair hanging on the waist.
Conclusion
Wudu is more than just a ritual; it is a holistic practice that enhances spiritual connection and overall well-being. By understanding how to do wudu, its significance, essentials, and after wudu dua, many Muslims can fully benefit from this sacred act of worship.
For further guidance on wudu and other aspects of Islamic education and practices, consider reaching out to knowledgeable tutors. May your journey in faith be blessed and fulfilling.