Wudu also called ablution is the Islamic ritual of cleaning and purifying the body parts. It is performed to purify exposed body parts. Wudu is performed before performing several acts of worship. It is most commonly done five times a day before performing Salah. Other than that wudu can be done at any time of the day. You can perform wudu as many times as you want because being in Wudu all day is so beneficial spiritually and physically. Abu Huraira reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH), said: “Verily, my nation will be called on the Day of Resurrection as brightly radiant from the traces of ablution. Whoever among you is able to extend his radiance, let him do so.” Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 136

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO PERFORMING WUDU

Before performing Salah or reciting the Holy Quran it is essential to perform Wudu. Wudu itself is a deed of worship. However, learning and understanding the correct way of performing WUDU is necessary. Below is the step-by-step guide to performing the wudu the right way.
  • Intention (Niyyah): The individual mentally intends to perform wudu for worship.
  • Washing Hands: Wash both hands up to the wrists three times, ensuring that water reaches between the fingers.
  • Mouth Rinsing (Madmadah): Rinse the mouth three times, swirling the water inside.
  • Nose Rinsing (Istinshaq): Sniff water into the nostrils three times and blow it out.
  • Face Washing: Wash the entire face from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear three times.
  • Arm Washing: Wash the right arm up to the elbow three times, then the left arm up to the elbow three times.
  • Wiping the Head (Masah): Wet the hands and wipe over the head once, moving from the front to the back and then back to the front.
  • Ear Cleaning: With the same wet hands, clean the inside and outside of the ears by wiping with the index fingers and thumbs.
  • Foot Washing: Wash the right foot up to the ankles three times, ensuring water reaches between the toes, then do the same with the left foot.

FARD (OBLIGATIONS OF WUDU)

The correct and whole procedure of performing ablution is explained above. However, Wudu has four obligations, which must be done to perform Wudu. Without these Fard (Obligations) Wudu cannot be considered complete. The fard (obligatory) acts of wudu are the essential steps that must be performed for the wudu to be valid. Here they are in simple terms:
  1. Washing the Face: Wash your entire face from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear once.
  2. Washing the Arms: Wash your right arm and then your left arm from the fingertips to the elbows once.
  3. Wiping the Head: Wipe a part of your head with wet hands once.
  4. Washing the Feet: Wash your right foot and then your left foot up to the ankles once.
These four steps are obligatory in Wudu. Other steps can be skipped in case of any problem or emergency but these four steps can not be skipped.

DUA TO RECITE BEFORE WUDU

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has taught us to recite Bismillah before starting the ablution. The meaning of Bismillah is: To begin with the name of ALLAH.

DUA TO RECITE AFTER WUDU:

There is also a dua which should be recited after performing Wudu as it is the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH): Ash-hadu ‘an laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa ‘ash-hadu ‘anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasooluhu. The translation of this dua is : “I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.” The Hadith of the Holy Prophet regarding this dua is  “None of you makes wudu and completes the wudu, then says: I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah Alone, He has no partners; and I bear witness that Muhammad is his Messenger, except that all eight Gates of Paradise are opened for him, so he may enter by whichever he pleases.” Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 169 (or Book 1, Hadith 234 in some editions).

BENEFITS OF PERFORMING WUDU 

Wudu is a way of purifying the body parts. It has numerous benefits for Muslims. Not only spiritual but Wudu has tremendous physical advantages. Some of the benefits of performing Wudu are :
  • It keeps your body clean. It removes all the germs from the body and thus protects us from different diseases.
  • It gives a sense of freshness. You feel light after performing Wudu and feel refreshed internally and externally
  • Wudu washes away our sins.
  • Wudu protects us from negative and evil thoughts and keeps us positive throughout the day.

FAQS:

Some of the commonly asked questions regarding Wudu are discussed below

How to Perform Wudu for Females?

The steps for wudu are the same for females as for males.

Does Sleeping Break Wudu?

Yes, deep sleep breaks wudu. If you fall into a deep sleep, you will need to perform wudu again before you pray.

Wudu Steps for Kids

Teaching kids wudu involves the same steps as adults. The wudu is the same for all. However, the parents or guardians must teach them the correct way of ablution by performing Wudu in front of them till the kids learn it.

Reading the Quran Without Wudu on the Phone

You can read the Quran on your phone without wudu, but it is better to have wudu out of respect for the Quran.

Can You Touch the Quran Without Wudu?

It is generally recommended to have wudu before touching the physical copy of the Quran.

Does Showering Count as Wudu?

A regular shower does not count as wudu unless you specifically follow the wudu steps during the shower. However, if you do Ghusl with the correct steps then there is no need to do Wudu separately.

Does Farting Break Your Wudu?

Yes, passing gas breaks wudu. You will need to perform wudu again before you pray.