Wudu (ablution) is the gateway to Salah, the most essential act of worship in a Muslim’s daily life. The Qur’an itself commands believers to purify their faces, hands, heads, and feet before standing for prayer, highlighting the spiritual and physical preparation required to enter the presence of Allah.
This sacred act is not only a condition for prayer but also a means of cleansing sins, elevating ranks, and attaining inner and outer purity, as emphasized through numerous authentic ahadith.
Allah Almighty says:
{يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا قُمْتُمْ اِلَى الصَّلٰوةِ فَاغْسِلُوْا وُجُوْهَكُمْ وَ اَيْدِيَكُمْ اِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَ امْسَحُوْا بِرُءُوْسِكُمْ وَ اَرْجُلَكُمْ اِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ}
(“O believers! When you intend to stand up for Salah; so, wash your faces, and your hands up to (i.e., including) the elbows, and pass wet hands (i.e., perform Masah -wipe) over your heads and wash your feet up to (i.e., including) the ankles.”) — [Al-Mā’idah 5:6]
It is appropriate first to mention a few virtues of Wudu (ablution) from Hadith, followed by its juridical (Fiqhi) rulings.
Virtues of Wudu
Hadith 1:
Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim narrate from Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu Anh) that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“On the Day of Resurrection, my Ummah will be called forth with their faces, hands, and feet shining due to the effects of Wudu. So, whoever among you can increase the brightness, let him do so.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Hadith 2:
In Sahih Muslim, narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Shall I not tell you something by which Allah erases sins and elevates ranks?”
The Companions said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!”
He said: “To perform complete Wudu even when it is difficult, to take many steps towards the mosque, and to wait for one prayer after another — the reward of this is like that of tying a horse on the frontier of the disbelievers for the protection of the lands of Islam.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 251, p.151)
Hadith 3:
Imam Malik and Imam Nasa’i narrate from Abdullah al-Sunabihi (Radi Allahu Anh):
“When a Muslim performs Wudu, and rinses his mouth, the sins from his mouth come out; when he cleans his nose, the sins of his nose come out; when he washes his face, the sins of his face come out even from beneath his eyelashes; when he washes his hands, the sins of his hands fall away even from beneath his nails; when he wipes his head, the sins of his head come out even from his ears; when he washes his feet, the sins of his feet fall away even from beneath his toenails. Then his going to the mosque and his prayer further elevate him.”
(Sunan al-Nasa’i, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 103, p.25)
Hadith 4:
Al-Bazzar narrated with a sound chain:
Sayyiduna Uthman al-Ghani, may Allah be pleased with him, asked his servant Humran for water to perform wudu, and it was a cold night, and he wished to go outside.
Humran says: I brought the water, and he washed his face and hands, so I said, ‘May Allah suffice you, the night is freezing.”
He replied: “I heard the Messenger of Allah, blessings and peace be upon him, say that whoever performs wudu completely, Allah Almighty forgives his previous and later sins.’”
(Musnad al-Bazzar, Musnad Uthman ibn Affan, Hadith 422, Vol.2, p.75)
Hadith 5:
Imam al-Tabarani narrated in al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat from Amir al-Mu’minin, Ali (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs perfect Wudu in intense cold will have a double reward.”
(al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat, Hadith 5366, Vol.4, p.106)
Hadith 6:
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal narrated from Anas (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever washes each limb once in Wudu this is what which is necessary; whoever washes twice, he has double reward; and whoever washes thrice, this is my Wudu and the Wudu of the Prophets before me.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 5739, Vol.2, p.417)
Hadith 7:
In Sahih Muslim, narrated from Uqbah ibn Amir (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “When a Muslim performs Wudu properly and then stands and performs two rak‘ahs of prayer with inner and outer devotion, Paradise becomes obligatory for him.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 234, p.144)
Hadith 8:
In Sahih Muslim, narrated from Umar ibn Khattab (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs perfect Wudu and then recites:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ,
all eight doors of Paradise are opened for him — he may enter through whichever he wishes.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 234, p.144)
Hadith 9:
Imam Tirmidhi narrates from Abdullah ibn Umar (Radi Allahu Anhuma):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs Wudu while already in the state of Wudu, ten good deeds are written for him.”
(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 61, Vol.1, p.124)
Hadith 9:
Imam Tirmidhi narrates from Abdullah ibn Umar (Radi Allahu Anhuma):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs Wudu while already in the state of Wudu, ten good deeds are written for him.”
(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 61, Vol.1, p.124)
Hadith 10:
Ibn Khuzaymah in his Sahih narrates that Abdullah bin Buraidah narrates from his father: :
“One morning the Noble Messenger, blessings and exalted peace be upon him, called Sayyiduna Bilal and said: ‘O Bilal, by which deed were you going ahead of me in Paradise? I entered Paradise last night and heard the sound of your footsteps in front of me.’ Bilal, may Allah be pleased with him, said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Whenever I give the adhan, I then perform two rak‘ahs of prayer, and whenever my wudu breaks, I make wudu again.’ The Noble Prophet, blessings and exalted peace be upon him, said: ‘It is on account of this.’”
(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith 1209, Vol.2, p.213)
Hadith 11:
Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah narrate from Sa‘eed ibn Zayd (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The one who does not say ‘Bismillah’ before Wudu — his Wudu is incomplete.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 398, Vol.1, p.242)
Hadith 12:
Al-Daraqutni and al-Bayhaqi narrate from Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs Wudu saying ‘Bismillah,’ his entire body becomes pure (Paak) from head to toe; and whoever does not say it, only that portion becomes pure upon which water flows.”
(Sunan al-Daraqutni, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 228, Vol.1, p.108)
Hadith 13:
Imam Bukhari and Muslim narrate from Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “When any of you wakes up from sleep, he should perform Wudu and clean his nose three times, for the devil spends the night on his nostrils.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Bad’ al-Khalq, Hadith 3295, Vol.2, p.403)
Hadith 14:
Al-Tabarani (with a sound chain) narrated from Ali (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘If it were not that it would be difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswak with every wudu, i.e., I would have made it fard (mandatory), and in some narrations the word fard has also come.”
(al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat, Hadith 1238, Vol.1, p.341; al-Mustadrak al-Hakim, Hadith 531, Vol.1, p.364)
Hadith 15:
Also in al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir by al-Tabarani:
“The Master of the worlds, the Prophet ﷺ, would not go to any prayer until he had used the miswak.”
(al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir, Hadith 253, Vol.5, p.152)
Hadith 16:
In Sahih Muslim, narrated from Aisha (Radi Allahu Anh):
“Whenever the Prophet ﷺ entered his house, the first thing he would do was use the Miswak.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 44, p.152)
Hadith 17:
Imam Ahmad narrates from Abdullah ibn Umar (Radi Allahu Anhuma):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Maintain the regular practice of miswak, because it is a means of cleaning the mouth and attaining the pleasure of Allah Almighty.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 5869, Vol.2, p.438)
Hadith 18:
Abu Nu‘aym narrates from Jabir (Radi Allahu Anh):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Two rak‘ahs performed after using the Miswak are superior to seventy rak‘ahs without it.”
(Al-Targhib wal-Tarhib, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 18, Vol.1, p.102)
Hadith 19:
In another narration:
“A prayer performed after using Miswak is seventy times more excellent than one performed without it.”
(Shu‘ab al-Iman, Hadith 2774, Vol.3, p.26)
Hadith 20:
In Mishkat al-Masabih, narrated from Aisha (Radi Allahu Anh):
“Ten things are from the fitrah (that is, their ruling existed in every divine law): trimming the moustache, letting the beard grow, using the miswak, putting water into the nose, cutting the nails, washing the joints of the fingers, removing the hair of the armpits, shaving the hair below the navel, performing istinja (cleaning oneself after relieving), and rinsing the mouth.”
(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Taharah, Hadith 261, p.154)
Hadith 21:
Ali (Radi Allahu Anh) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“When a person uses the Miswak and then stands to pray, an angel stands behind him listening to his recitation and draws so near that the angel places his mouth upon the mouth of the reciter.”
(Musnad al-Bazzar, Hadith 603, Vol.2, p.214)
The pious elders have said:
“Whoever regularly uses the Miswak will be blessed to recite the Kalimah at death; and whoever consumes opium will not be granted this blessing.”
Juridical (Fiqhi) Rulings of Wudu
{يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا قُمْتُمْ اِلَى الصَّلٰوةِ فَاغْسِلُوْا وُجُوْهَكُمْ وَ اَيْدِيَكُمْ اِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَ امْسَحُوْا بِرُءُوْسِكُمْ وَ اَرْجُلَكُمْ اِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ}
(“O believers! When you intend to stand up for Salah; so, wash your faces, and your hands up to (i.e., including) the elbows, and pass wet hands (i.e., perform Masah -wipe) over your heads and wash your feet up to (i.e., including) the ankles.”) — [Al-Mā’idah 5:6]
The Qur’anic verse above establishes four obligatory (Fard) acts in Wudu:
- Washing the face
- Washing both hands, including the elbows
- Wiping part of the head
- Washing both feet, including the ankles
Clarification:
To “wash” a limb means that at least two drops of water should flow over every part of that limb. Merely moistening or spreading water, like oil, does not constitute washing, nor does a single drop suffice. Wudu and Ghusl are invalid in such cases.
(al-Durr al-Mukhtar, Radd al-Muhtar, Fatawa Ridawiyyah, Kitab al-Taharah)
1. Washing the Face
From the top of the forehead (where the hairline usually begins) to the chin in length, and from one ear to the other in width. Every part of the skin within this boundary must have water flow over it at least once, which is Fard.
(al-Durr al-Mukhtar, J1, p.216–219)
Detailed Issues (Masā’il):
- The one whose hair on the front part of the head has fallen out or has not grown, it is obligatory for him to wash the face only up to the point where the hair normally grows; and if, below the place where the hair normally grows, someone’s hair has grown further down, then it is obligatory to wash those additional hairs up to their roots.
- “If the hair of the moustache, or the eyebrows, or the small forelock is so thick that the skin is not visible at all, then washing the skin is not obligatory; washing the hair is obligatory. And if the hair in these places is not thick, then washing the skin is also obligatory.”
- If the moustache grows and covers the lips, then even if it is dense, it is obligatory to move the moustache aside and wash the lips.
- If the hair of the beard is not thick, then washing the skin is obligatory; and if it is dense, then it is obligatory to wash, up to the point that falls within the area of the face when pressed towards the throat, and washing the roots is not obligatory. The hair below the throat does not have to be washed. If in some parts it is thick and in others sparse, then where it is dense, washing the hair is obligatory, and where it is sparse, washing the skin is obligatory.
- The part of the lips which usually remains visible after closing the lips must be washed; so if someone closes the lips very tightly such that some of this part becomes hidden and water does not reach it, and he did not rinse the mouth so that it would be washed, then the wudu is not valid. As for that part which ordinarily does not remain visible when the mouth is closed, washing it is not obligatory.
- The area between the cheek and the ear, which is called the temple, must be washed. In that part, wherever there are thick beard hairs, washing the hairs is obligatory, and wherever there is no hair or the hair is not dense, washing the skin is obligatory.
- If the hole of the nose-ring is not closed, then it is obligatory to make water flow into it; if it is tight, then move the nose-ring while putting in the water; otherwise, moving it is not necessary.
- Washing the eyeballs and the inner surface of the eyelids is not required at all; rather, it should not be done, because it is harmful.
- When washing the face, if one closes the eyes tightly such that a slight fold forms next to the eyelid and water does not reach it, while that part is usually visible when closing the eyes normally, the wudu will still be valid, but doing so is not desirable. However, if a larger area remains unwashed, the wudu will not be valid.
- It is obligatory to let water flow over the corner of the eye. However, if some kohl remains as a tiny crust in the corner or on the eyelid, and the person performed wudu without knowing and also prayed, there is no problem — the prayer and wudu are valid. But if one is aware of it, then it is necessary to remove it and let water flow over that area.
- Every eyelash must be completely washed, and if any hard substance, like eye discharge/eye mucus, has stuck to it, removing it is obligatory.
2. Washing the Hands
In this ruling, the elbows are included as well. If any spot, even as small as a particle, between the elbows and the fingernails is left unwashed, the wudu will not be valid.
All kinds of jewellery, whether permissible or impermissible – rings, hoops, toe-rings, bangles, glass or lacquer bracelets, silk threads, etc. – if they are so tight that water cannot reach the skin beneath, then taking them off and washing that area is obligatory. If water can reach underneath by just moving them, then moving them is necessary. If they are loose enough that water will reach underneath without moving them, then nothing extra is required.
The eight gaps between the fingers of the hands, the folds of the fingers, the space under the nails, and every hair on the wrist from root to tip must all be washed with water. If any part is left dry, or water reaches only the roots of the hairs and not the tip of even a single hair, the wudu is not valid; however, dirt trapped inside the nails is excused.
If, instead of five, there are six fingers, then washing all of them is obligatory. If a person has two hands on one shoulder, then washing the complete (normal) hand is obligatory and washing the extra hand is not obligatory but recommended, except for the part of it that is directly attached to the area of the obligatory hand — washing; that attached part is obligatory
(al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah, Fatawa Ridawiyyah, al-Durr al-Mukhtar)
3. Wiping the Head (Masah)
Wiping one-quarter of the head is obligatory.
For doing masah (wiping), the hand must be wet, whether the wetness is from the water left on the hand after washing the other parts of wudu, or from wetting the hand again with fresh water.
The wetness that remains on the hand after wiping one limb cannot be used to wipe another limb.
If there is no hair on the head, then wiping one quarter of the skin of the head is obligatory; and if there is hair, then wiping one quarter of the hair that grows on the head itself is obligatory, and this is what is meant by wiping the head in wudu.
Wiping over a turban, cap, or scarf does not suffice unless moisture seeps through to the head.
Wiping over the hair that is hanging down from the head does not count as the (obligatory) wiping of the head.
(al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah, Vol.1, p.5–6; Fatawa Ridawiyyah, J1, p.216)
4. Washing the Feet
Feet, including the ankles, must be washed once. All parts — toes, soles, heels, and sides — must have water flow.
If strings or bindings prevent water from reaching, they must be loosened.
(Fatawa Ridawiyyah, J1, p.445)
Additional Points
- If at least two drops of rainwater or accidental immersion into a pond wash the required limbs, Wudu is valid even without intention to pour.
- Substances commonly used, like flour, ink, or henna stains that prevent water penetration, are excused.
- If blisters remain attached, washing over them suffices.
- However, any hard object (like a fish scale) stuck on the skin, preventing water flow, invalidates Wudu.
(Fatawa Ridawiyyah, Vol.1; al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wudu and where is it commanded?
Wudū (ablution) is the ritual washing before Ṣalāh.
Allah’s command: “O believers! When you intend to stand up for Salah; so, wash your faces, and your hands up to (including) the elbows, and pass wet hands (perform masah) over your heads and wash your feet up to (including) the ankles.” — (Al-Mā’idah 5:6).
Which four acts are Fard (obligatory) in Wudu?
The four obligatory (Fard) acts are:
Washing the face.
Washing both hands including the elbows.
Wiping part of the head (masah).
Washing both feet including the ankles.What are the main virtues of Wudu?
On the Day of Resurrection the Ummah will be called forth with faces, hands, feet shining due to Wudu (Bukhari & Muslim).
Complete Wudu erases sins and elevates ranks; taking steps to mosque, waiting between prayers has great reward (Sahih Muslim).
When washing each part, sins from that part fall away (Sunan an-Nasa’i).
Complete Wudu may lead to forgiveness of previous and later sins (Musnad al-Bazzar narration from ʿUthmān Radi Allahu Anh).
Washing once is necessary, twice gives double reward, thrice is the Prophetic method (Musnad Ahmad).
Whoever performs perfect Wudu and prays two rak‘ahs with devotion Paradise becomes obligatory (Sahih Muslim).What counts as “washing” a limb?
To “wash” a limb means at least two drops of water should flow over every part of that limb. Merely moistening or spreading water (like oil) does not constitute washing, nor does a single drop suffice. Wudu and Ghusl are invalid in such cases.
How is “washing the face” defined?
From top of forehead (hairline) to beneath the chin in length, and from one ear to the other in width — every part of skin within this boundary must have water flow over it at least once; this is Fard. (Detailed masā’il follow — hair, moustache, beard rules; lips; temple; eyelash; eye-corner; etc.)
How to wash the hands (arms)?
Wash hands up to the elbows (including elbows). Every spot between elbows and fingernails must be washed; eight gaps between fingers, folds, under nails, every hair on wrist from root to tip — water must reach. Jewelry that blocks water must be removed or moved so water reaches skin.
How much of the head must be wiped (masah)?
Wiping one-quarter of the head is obligatory. Use a wet hand; wetness may be from previous wash or fresh water. Wiping over turban/cap/scarf does not suffice unless moisture seeps through to the head. Wiping hair hanging down does not count as obligatory masah.
How to wash the feet?
Wash feet including ankles at least once; all parts — toes, soles, heels, sides — must have water flow. Loosen strings or bindings that prevent water reaching skin.
What if one’s hairline is missing or hair grows lower than normal?
If front hair has fallen out or not grown, wash face up to point where hair normally grows; if hair grows further down, wash those additional hairs up to their roots.
If moustache/beard hair is very dense what to wash?
If moustache/eyebrows/beard is so thick that skin isn’t visible, washing the hair is obligatory; if not thick, washing the skin is also obligatory. If moustache covers lips, move it aside and wash lips for a valid Wudu (Ablution).
Are eyeballs and inner eyelids to be washed?
Washing eyeballs and inner surface of eyelids is not required and should not be done (it is harmful).
What about jewellery, rings, toe-rings, bangles, threads that block water?
If they are so tight water cannot reach skin, removal is obligatory. If moving them allows water to reach beneath, move them; if loose and water reaches without moving, nothing extra required.
If a tiny crust of kohl or eye discharge remains?
If a tiny crust remains and person performed wudu without knowing and prayed, there is no problem — prayer and wudu are valid. If aware, remove it and let water flow.
Substances like henna, flour, ink that prevent water penetration — what then?
Such substances are excused (i.e., they do not necessarily invalidate wudu when water cannot reach)
Hard object stuck (e.g., fish scale) preventing water — what then?
Any hard object preventing water flow invalidates Wudu (must be removed).
Is saying Bismillah before Wudu required?
The article records hadiths: “The one who does not say ‘Bismillah’ before Wudu — his Wudu is incomplete.” (Tirmidhi; Ibn Majah) and another hadith that says: saying Bismillah makes entire body pure, otherwise only part on which water flows becomes pure.
What about Miswak with Wudu?
The Prophetic practice of miswak is strongly recommended; the Prophet ﷺ would use Miswak before prayer and when entering the house. Some narrations state the Prophet would have made miswak obligatory if not difficult for the Ummah.
Repeating Wudu while already in Wudu — any virtue?
Tirmidhi narrates: “Whoever performs Wudu while already in the state of Wudu, ten good deeds are written for him.”
Does rainwater or accidental immersion count?
Yes, if at least two drops of rainwater or accidental immersion in pure water or a pond wash required limbs, Wudu is valid even without intention to pour.
If blisters remain attached?
Washing over blisters that are attached suffices.
Is wiping part of the head enough in Wudu (do I need to wipe whole head)?
Wiping one-quarter of the head is obligatory. For doing masah the hand must be wet. Wiping over a turban, cap, or scarf does not suffice unless moisture seeps through to the head. Wiping over hair that hangs down from the head is not the obligatory wiping of the head.
Is saying Bismillah necessary before wudu?
Article cites hadiths: “The one who does not say ‘Bismillah’ before Wudu — his Wudu is incomplete.” And another hadith says: “Whoever performs Wudu saying ‘Bismillah,’ his entire body becomes pure from head to toe; and whoever does not say it, only that portion becomes pure upon which water flows.”
If I used miswak, does it affect reward of prayer done after?
The article cites narrations saying a prayer performed after using Miswak is superior — e.g., “Two rak‘ahs performed after using the Miswak are superior to seventy rak‘ahs without it.” The Prophet ﷺ regularly used miswak and recommended it.
What are the quick practical checklist of this article?
Intend Wudu (niyyah) and say Bismillah (recommended).
Wash both hands up to the wrists — ensure water flows between fingers, under nails.
Rinse mouth and clean nose (hadith virtues mention rinsing mouth/nose washes sins).
Wash the face entirely from hairline to beneath the chin and ear-to-ear (water must flow across all skin).
Wash arms up to elbows — every part including between fingers and hair on wrist.
Wipe (masah) one-quarter of the head with wet hand.
Wash both feet up to ankles — water must flow over toes, soles, heels, sides.
Remove/move any tight jewelry/bands that block water.
If anything prevents water flow (hard object, thick covering), remove or ensure water reaches.
I’ve shared some key foundational beliefs in Islam, with more insights coming soon. Stay connected to deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith. Missed our last post? Click the link here: Purpose of Human Creation
If you come across any mistakes or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Insha’Allah, your effort will be rewarded by Allah Almighty. Stay connected with us through our social media handles below:
