Correct Wudu for Prayer: 7 Steps and 3 Essential Guidelines

Learn the proper way to perform Wudu according to Sunnah, its pillars, obligations, and nullifiers, to ensure valid prayer and spiritual purification.

  Sat , January 24 2026 / 04:27 PM Updated At: 2026-01-24 16:27:51

خطوات الوضوء الصحيحة للصلاة مع فرائضه وسننه

Wudu is a fundamental pillar in Islam and a prerequisite for valid prayer. It symbolizes physical and spiritual purification. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs Wudu perfectly, his sins will depart from his body, even from under his nails.”

3 Key Principles for Perfect Wudu

  1. Observing the obligations and Sunnah with care: Wash each part properly without rushing.

  2. Perform Wudu for every prayer: Even if already in a state of purity, each Wudu carries reward.

  3. Remember the purpose: Purification of body and soul to draw closer to Allah.

Basic Steps of Wudu

As outlined in the Quran (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:6), Wudu includes washing the face, arms to the elbows, wiping the head, and washing the feet to the ankles:

  1. Make intention and say “Bismillah.”

  2. Wash hands three times.

  3. Rinse mouth and nostrils three times.

  4. Wash face and arms up to elbows three times.

  5. Wipe head and ears once (or three times).

  6. Wash feet up to ankles three times, starting with the right.

  7. Recite the post-Wudu supplication.

Obligatory Acts (Fara’id)

  • Intention in the heart

  • Washing face

  • Washing arms to elbows

  • Wiping the head

  • Washing feet to ankles

  • Performing the steps in order and sequence

Sunnah Acts

  • Saying “Bismillah”

  • Using the miswak

  • Cleaning hair and toes

  • Start with the right side

  • Repeat each step three times

Nullifiers of Wudu

  1. Anything exiting from private parts.

  2. Heavy vomiting, excessive blood, pus, or discharge.

  3. Loss of consciousness or deep sleep.

  4. Touching private parts with the hand.

  5. Washing the deceased.

  6. Leaving Islam.

Wudu is mandatory for obligatory prayers and recommended for dhikr and Quran recitation. Following the steps properly ensures valid prayer and spiritual purification.

For more details and the latest religious news, follow Misr Connect

Jan 24
أذكار المساء السبت 24-1-2026 لتعزيز الطمأنينة والإيمان

Learn the key evening remembrances for Saturday, Jan 24, 2026, with practical guidance and benefits for spiritual calm and protection

Jan 24
أدعية وأعمال تحميك من مكر الناس وخبث الحاسدين

Discover the Islamic methods to safeguard yourself from the schemes of envious and malicious people through righteous deeds and proven supplications from Quran and Sunnah.

Jan 24
سنن احتضار المسلم: تلقين الشهادة وقراءة القرآن

Learn the recommended practices for a Muslim at the point of death, including gentle pronouncement of the Shahada, dua, and Quran recitation to ease the process.

Jan 24
صلاة الاستخارة: ركعتان ودعاء اختيار القرار الصائب

Learn the steps of Salat al-Istikhara and the authentic dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ to seek guidance in marriage, travel, purchases, or other important decisions.