Ablution
How to Perform Ablution
Ablution (wudu) is one of the prerequisites of prayer and is fulfilled by washing certain body parts in the prescribed manner.
Obligatory Acts (Fard) of Ablution:
1. Washing the face (from the forehead to below the chin, from one ear to the other)
2. Washing both arms including the elbows
3. Wiping at least one-fourth of the head (masah)
4. Washing both feet including the ankles
Steps for Performing Ablution with its Sunnah and Etiquette:
1. Make the intention: Intend in your heart "I intend to perform ablution for the sake of Allah."
2. Say "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytanir-rajim. Bismillahir-rahmanir-rahim."
3. Wash the hands up to the wrists three times. Interlock the fingers.
4. Rinse the mouth three times (madmadah).
5. Sniff water into the nose three times (istinshaq).
6. Wash the face three times.
7. Wash the right arm including the elbow three times.
8. Wash the left arm including the elbow three times.
9. Wipe the entire head once (masah).
10. Wipe the ears.
11. Wipe the neck.
12. Wash the right foot including the ankle three times.
13. Wash the left foot including the ankle three times.
Things That Invalidate Ablution:
- Urinating or defecating
- Passing gas
- Sleeping (lying down or leaning against something)
- Fainting or becoming intoxicated
- Laughing loudly during prayer
- Vomiting a mouthful
- Bleeding, pus, or fluid flowing from a wound