Why wudu
Before the formal prayer (salah), a Muslim performs wudu — a simple washing that prepares the body and heart for standing before God.
The main steps
- Begin with the intention (in the heart) and say "Bismillah".
- Wash the hands up to the wrists.
- Rinse the mouth, then the nose.
- Wash the face.
- Wash the arms up to and including the elbows.
- Wipe the head (and ears).
- Wash the feet up to and including the ankles.
Small details (order, repetition, what breaks wudu) differ between the madhhabs. Learn the specifics from a teacher or your chosen school — see the resource directory.
Fiqh resources (how-to-worship) →