Wudu & Ghusl

Make the intention in your heart before beginning. You do not need to say it aloud — intention is an act of the heart, not the tongue. Simply resolve in your mind that you are performing Wudu for the sake of Allah.

Say 'Bismillah' before you begin washing. This is a sunnah (recommended act) that begins the Wudu with the remembrance of Allah.

Wash both hands up to and including the wrists three times. Begin with the right hand, then the left. Make sure water reaches between the fingers. This is a sunnah act that begins the purification.

Take water into your mouth and swirl it around thoroughly, then spit it out. Do this three times. This cleanses the mouth and is a sunnah of Wudu.

Sniff water into the nostrils and blow it out. Do this three times. Use the left hand to blow the water out. This is a sunnah act.

Wash your entire face three times — from the hairline to the chin, and from ear to ear. Make sure no part of the face is left dry. If you have a beard, run wet fingers through it (khilal). This is a FARD (obligatory) act.

Wash both arms three times, from the fingertips up to and including the elbows. Begin with the right arm, then the left. Ensure no dry spot remains. This is a FARD (obligatory) act.

Wet your hands and wipe over your entire head once — from the front hairline to the back of the head, then bring your hands back to the front. This is done once, not three times. This is a FARD (obligatory) act.

Using the same water from wiping the head, insert your index fingers into the ear canals and wipe the outer ears with your thumbs. Do this once. This is a sunnah act.

Wash both feet three times, from the toes up to and including the ankles. Begin with the right foot, then the left. Run your little finger between the toes (khilal). Ensure no dry spot remains. This is a FARD (obligatory) act.

After completing Wudu, look up and recite this Shahada. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever performs Wudu well and then says this, all eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him, and he may enter through whichever he wishes.' (Muslim)