Wudu (ablutions) is a condition for the validity of prayer: without it, the prayer isn't accepted. It consists of a ritual purification with water, performed before each prayer unless the previous wudu hasn't been invalidated in the meantime.
The steps, in order
The sequence reported in authentic hadith (notably the hadith of Uthman ibn Affan, in Sahih al-Bukhari) follows this order:
- Intention (niyyah) — in the heart, no formula to recite.
- Washing the hands, three times, up to the wrists.
- Rinsing the mouth, three times.
- Drawing water into the nose and expelling it, three times.
- Washing the face, three times, from the hairline to the chin and ear to ear.
- Washing the arms up to the elbows, three times, starting with the right.
- Wiping the head with wet hands, once.
- Wiping the ears, inside and outside, once.
- Washing the feet up to the ankles, three times, starting with the right.
Minor variations exist between schools of jurisprudence on certain details (the exact order of some gestures, the minimum number of repetitions), without affecting this general sequence.
What invalidates wudu?
Wudu is invalidated by what exits the natural passages (urine, stool, gas), deep sleep, or loss of consciousness. Other cases are debated between schools of jurisprudence (direct contact with the private parts, for example) — refer to the school you follow or your mosque if in doubt.
Why before every prayer?
Wudu marks entry into a state of ritual purity needed to stand before Allah in prayer. If it hasn't been invalidated since the last prayer, there's no need to repeat it.
Frequently asked questions
In what order should wudu be performed?
Intention, hands, mouth, nose, face, arms to the elbows, head, ears, feet to the ankles — in this order, reported in the hadith of Uthman ibn Affan.
What invalidates wudu?
What exits the natural passages (urine, stool, gas), deep sleep, or loss of consciousness.
Does wudu need to be repeated before every prayer?
Only if it has been invalidated since the last prayer. Otherwise, the same wudu remains valid.
Is wudu the same across all schools of jurisprudence?
The general sequence is shared, with minor variations in detail depending on the school followed.
