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Ritual purification, known as Wudu in Arabic, is obligatory (Fard) for Muslims before performing prayer (Salah).
There are Fard (obligatory) acts that must be followed while performing Wudu, as well as Sunnah actions (optional but rewarded if followed).
Fard Wudu refers to the essential actions that every Muslim must perform for their ablution to be valid. The obligatory nature of these acts is grounded in the Qur’an, which outlines specific actions that are considered mandatory.
The Fard elements of Wudu are:
Washing the face
Washing the arms up to the elbows
Wiping the top of the head (over all the hair)
Washing the feet up to the ankles
These steps are outlined in Allah’s guidance in the Qur’an.
Qur'an 5:6 (Interpretation of the Meaning)
O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of
ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favor to you, that ye may be grateful.
The Sunnah of Washing the Right Side First in Wudu: A Recommended Practice
In Wudu, there is a general practice of washing the right side before the left. For example, when washing the hands, arms, and feet, the right side is washed first, followed by the left. While this is not an obligatory act, it is considered a Sunnah—a recommended practice—based on the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Sunnah "Optional"
Wash both hands up to the wrists 1 or 3 times.
Sunnah "Optional"
Wash mouth 1 or 3 times.
Sunnah "Optional"
Sniffing water by nostrils and blowing it out 1 or 3 times.
Fard "Obligatory"
Wash the face 1 time.
Sunnah "Optional"
Wash the face 3 times.
Fard "Obligatory"
Wash both arms up to the (inclusive) elbows 1 time each.
Sunnah "Optional"
Wash both arms up to the (inclusive) elbows elbows 3 time each starting with the right arm.
Fard "Obligatory"
Wet your hands and wipe over your head starting from the front to the end of your head and back 1
time.
Sunnah "Optional"
After finishing wiping your hair, wipe your ears in and out with your wet fingers.
Fard "Obligatory"
Wash both feetw up to (inclusive) ankles.
Sunnah "Optional"
Wash both feetw up to (inclusive) ankles starting with the right arm.
Wiping Over the Socks:
When performing wudu while wearing socks that each covers your ankles and were wearn while you are in status
of having a valid Wudu, you may wipe over them with wet hands. The wiping should be done on the upper part
of the socks (the area covering the top of your feet and ankles), not the soles. This is called 'Maseh' in
Arabic.
Duration for Wiping Over Socks:
For residents (those who are not traveling), the permissibility of wiping over the socks is limited to one
day and one night (24 hours).
For travelers, the duration is extended to three days and three nights (72 hours).
Aisha was asked about wiping over the socks (khuffain), and she said: "Ask Ali, for he used to travel
with the Prophet ﷺ." So he was asked, and he said: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ make for the traveler three
days and nights, and for the resident (non-traveling person) one day and one night."
(Sahih Muslim)
It is Mustahab (desirable) to use a small amount of water and perform Wudu thoroughly following the example of
the Prophet
ﷺ
Ritual purification, known as Wudu in Arabic, is obligatory (Fard) for Muslims before performing prayer (Salah).
