Wudu & ghusl

Wudu is the washing you do before prayer. It stays valid until something breaks it, such as using the toilet, passing wind, deep sleep or losing consciousness.

How to make wudu

1. 1

   Intention

   Intend in your heart that you are making wudu. There is no need to say it aloud.

2. 2

   Say Bismillah

   Begin in the name of Allah.

   بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ

   Bismillāh

   In the name of Allah

3. 3

   Hands

   Wash both hands up to the wrists, three times.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Rinse your mouth, three times.

5. 5

   Nose

   Sniff water into the nose and blow it out, three times.

6. 6

   Face

   Wash your whole face, from the hairline to the chin and ear to ear, three times.

7. 7

   Arms

   Wash the right arm up to and including the elbow, three times, then the left.

8. 8

   Head

   Wipe over your head with wet hands, from front to back and back again, once.

9. 9

   Ears

   Wipe the inside of the ears with your index fingers and the back with your thumbs, once.

10. 10

    Feet

    Wash the right foot up to and including the ankle, three times, then the left.

Ghusl: the full-body wash

A ghusl is needed after sexual intercourse, after menstruation or post-natal bleeding ends, and it is recommended on accepting Islam and before Friday prayer.

1. 1

   Intention

   Intend in your heart to purify yourself, and say Bismillah.

2. 2

   Wash

   Wash your hands and private parts, then make wudu.

3. 3

   Head

   Pour water over your head three times, making sure it reaches the roots of the hair.

4. 4

   Body

   Wash the whole body, starting with the right side, so that no part is left dry.