How to perform wudu: step by step, with what breaks it
Wudu is the washing Muslims do before prayer and before touching the mushaf. It takes about three minutes. Here are the steps in order, the four parts the Quran makes obligatory, the supplication after wudu and what breaks it.
Last updated: 1 October 2026
The four obligatory parts
The Quran (Al-Ma'idah 5:6) names four acts that every wudu must include: washing the face, washing the arms to the elbows, wiping the head, and washing the feet to the ankles. The other steps below are the sunnah, the way the Prophet ﷺ performed wudu, as described by his companion Uthman ibn ‘Affan (Sahih al-Bukhari 159).
Step by step
- Intention: Intend in your heart that you are making wudu. Say "Bismillah".
- Hands: Wash both hands up to the wrists, three times, between the fingers.
- Mouth: Rinse your mouth three times.
- Nose: Sniff water into the nose and blow it out, three times.
- Face: Wash your whole face, from the hairline to the chin and ear to ear, three times. (Obligatory)
- Arms: Wash your right arm up to and including the elbow three times, then the left. (Obligatory)
- Head: Wipe over your head with wet hands, once. (Obligatory)
- Ears: Wipe the inside and back of your ears with wet fingers.
- Feet: Wash your right foot up to and including the ankle three times, between the toes, then the left. (Obligatory)
Go in this order, without long pauses between steps, and make sure water reaches every part, including under rings and behind the ears.
After wudu
The Prophet ﷺ taught this supplication after wudu (Sahih Muslim 234):
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger."
What breaks wudu
- Using the toilet, or passing wind.
- Deep sleep, or losing consciousness.
- Other things on which the schools of law differ, such as bleeding, vomiting or certain kinds of touch.
A full bath (ghusl) is needed after major impurity; wudu alone is not enough then. This page is general guidance; see our disclaimer and ask a scholar you trust for your situation.
Next: how to pray salah and which surahs to recite in salah. Our Islamic studies lessons teach wudu and salah hands-on, and new Muslims can start with our Quran classes for reverts.
Frequently asked questions
What breaks wudu?
Using the toilet, passing wind, deep sleep and losing consciousness break wudu by agreement. Schools differ on other things, such as bleeding or touching; follow the school you follow.
Do I need to make wudu again for every prayer?
No. If your wudu has not been broken, you can pray several prayers with it. Renewing it is still a good practice.
Can I wipe over my socks?
Wiping over leather socks (khuffayn) worn after a full wudu is allowed for a limited time, a day and night at home or three days when travelling. Scholars differ about ordinary cotton socks; ask your local scholar.
Do I need wudu to read the Quran?
To touch a printed mushaf, most scholars say yes; reciting from memory does not need wudu. See reading the Quran without wudu.
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