A Simple Stick-Figure Guide to Wudu

Wudu (ablution) is an essential act of purification before prayer in Islam. This simple, step-by-step guide uses clear visuals and straightforward explanations to help you perform Wudu correctly and confidently.

Step 1: Niyyah (Intention) and Washing Hands

Wudu begins with making the correct intention (Niyyah) in your heart. This is a mental and spiritual preparation where you begin in the name of Allah.

Then, wash your hands thoroughly up to the wrists.

What to do:

• Make intention internally (no need to say it out loud)

• Wash both hands up to the wrists

• Ensure water reaches between the fingers

Step 2: Rinse the Mouth and Nose

Next, cleanse the mouth and nose to ensure internal cleanliness.

What to do:

• Take water into your mouth, rinse, and spit it out

• Gently sniff water into your nose and expel it

• Repeat both actions three times

Step 3: Wash the Whole Face

Wash your entire face thoroughly.

What to cover:

• From the hairline to the chin

• From ear to ear

What to do:

• Splash water onto the face

• Ensure full coverage of the defined area

• Repeat three times

Step 4: Wash the Arms (Right Then Left)

Now wash your arms, starting with the right.

What to do:

• Wash from fingertips up to and including the elbow

• Ensure water reaches between the fingers

• Repeat three times per arm

• Then repeat for the left arm

Step 5: Perform Masah (Wiping the Head and Ears)

Masah is different from washing. It is a wiping action using wet hands and is done once.

What to do:

• With wet hands, wipe from the front of the head to the back

• Bring the hands back toward the front, depending on method

• Use index fingers to clean inside the ears

• Use thumbs to wipe behind the ears

Step 6: Wash the Feet (Right Then Left)

Finally, wash your feet, starting with the right.

What to do:

• Wash each foot up to and including the ankles

• Clean carefully between the toes

• Repeat three times per foot

Final Note

By completing these six steps with sincerity and care, your Wudu is valid.

This simple visual guide is designed to make learning and remembering Wudu easier for everyone.