Taharah and wudu, step by step.
Before prayer, a Muslim must be in a state of purity. Today you'll learn the basics of taharah (purity), how to perform wudu (ablution) the way the Ahlulbayt (a) taught, and what breaks it.
This lesson follows the common Shia (Ja'fari) method. Small details can differ between maraji'. Confirm with your marja's book of rulings or a local scholar, and don't worry: Allah sees your sincere effort as you learn.
Taharah (purity) basics
- Some things are najis (ritually impure): urine, faeces, blood, alcohol, dogs, pigs, and a few others.
- If najasat touches your body or clothes, wash it with clean water before praying.
- After using the toilet, wash the private parts with water.
How to perform wudu
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Niyyah (intention) | Intend in your heart: "I am doing wudu to become close to Allah." No need to say it aloud |
| 2. Wash the face | From where the hair grows on the forehead down to the chin, and the width covered between the thumb and middle finger, washing from top to bottom |
| 3. Wash the right arm | From the elbow down to the fingertips, from top to bottom |
| 4. Wash the left arm | The same way, from elbow to fingertips |
| 5. Wipe the head (masah) | With the wetness left on the right hand, wipe the front part of the head (above the forehead), without taking new water |
| 6. Wipe the feet | With the remaining wetness, wipe the top of the right foot from the toes to the ankle with the right hand, then the left foot with the left hand |
Important points:
- Do the steps in order, and without long gaps that let the earlier parts dry completely.
- The water must be clean, and must reach the skin (remove nail polish or anything that blocks water).
- The wiping (masah) of head and feet uses the leftover wetness, not fresh water. The feet are wiped, not washed, in the Shia method.
What breaks wudu
Ghusl and tayammum (in brief)
- Ghusl is a ritual bath required after certain states (for example after marital relations, after menstruation for women). It can be done by first washing the head and neck, then the rest of the body (ghusl tartibi), with intention. Learn the full rules from your marja's book.
- Tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth) replaces wudu or ghusl when water can't be used, for example due to illness or lack of water.
In the Shia method of wudu, how are the feet purified?
Masah (wiping) of the head and feet uses the leftover wetness.
Which direction do you wash the arms?
Top to bottom, right arm before left.
Your task (15 min)
Practise wudu slowly three times today, saying each step in your mind. If possible, ask a knowledgeable friend or teacher to watch once and correct you kindly.
Lesson 6 complete!
You can perform wudu step by step, know what breaks it, and understand the basics of ghusl and tayammum. Next: how to pray, step by step.
Next: How to pray, step by step →