Wudu (ablution) is a special way of cleaning certain parts of the body before performing prayers (Salah) in Islam. Wudu makes a person spiritually and physically pure to stand before Allah. It is important for both males and females and should be performed properly to make the prayer valid.
Importance of Wudu for Females
For every Muslim woman, Wudu is not just about cleanliness—it is an act of worship. Without Wudu, the prayer (Salah) is not accepted. Wudu also refreshes the body and soul. A woman doing Wudu shows her obedience to Allah and prepares herself for prayer in the best way. Wudu also gives spiritual peace and a sense of inner calm.
Conditions Before Starting Wudu
Before starting Wudu, every female should make sure of the following:
- Be in a clean place: Wudu should be performed in a clean area, like a washroom, Wudu area in a mosque, or at home.
- Use clean water: The water must be pure (not dirty or used). It can be cold or warm.
- Make the right intention (Niyyah): Intention is made in the heart. You should intend that you are doing Wudu to purify yourself for the sake of Allah. No need to speak this intention loudly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Wudu for Females
1. Say “Bismillah” (In the Name of Allah)
Begin by saying “Bismillah”. This reminds you that you are doing this act only for Allah.
2. Wash Hands (Three Times)
Wash both hands up to the wrists three times. Make sure water reaches between the fingers and under the nails. Remove any rings or jewelry that may stop water from touching the skin.
3. Rinse the Mouth (Three Times)
Take a little water in your right hand and rinse your mouth gently three times. Make sure the water reaches inside the mouth, but do not swallow it.
4. Clean the Nose (Three Times)
Take water into the nose by sniffing gently three times with your right hand and then clean it by blowing the water out with your left hand. This cleans the inside of the nose.
5. Wash the Face (Three Times)
Wash the whole face from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear three times. Make sure water touches the entire face, including the eyebrows and the area under the eyes.
If a woman is wearing makeup, it must be removed before doing Wudu because water should touch the skin.
6. Wash the Arms (Three Times)
Wash the right arm from the fingertips to just above the elbow three times, making sure no area is left dry. Then wash the left arm in the same way three times.
Remove watches, bracelets, or bangles if they stop water from reaching the skin.
7. Perform Masah (Wipe Over the Head) Once
Wet both hands and wipe the head starting from the forehead to the back of the head and back to the forehead once only.
For females, if you are wearing a scarf or hijab, you need to remove or slightly move it to wipe the head directly. Masah must be done on the actual head and not over any covering like a scarf.
8. Clean the Ears (Once)
With the same wet hands, clean the inside of the ears using the index fingers and the back of the thumbs to wipe behind the ears once only.
9. Wash the Feet (Three Times)
Wash the right foot from toes to ankles three times, making sure water reaches between the toes. Then wash the left foot in the same way. Take care that the whole foot is washed properly. Any socks or shoes must be removed unless you have done Masah over leather socks (khuffain), which is a special case.
Dua After Wudu
After completing Wudu, it is Sunnah (recommended) to say this short dua:
“Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu.”
Meaning: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone; He has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.”
By reciting this, Allah rewards you greatly.
Important Points to Remember
- Remove Nail Polish or Makeup: If you are wearing nail polish or makeup that stops water, it must be removed before Wudu.
- Covering Hair: You can cover your head after performing Masah, but during Masah, the head should be uncovered.
- Order is Important: All parts should be washed in the order shown. Skipping steps or mixing the order makes Wudu incomplete.
- No Talking During Wudu: It is best to stay silent and focused while doing Wudu.
- No Wastage of Water: Use only as much water as you need. Wasting water is not liked in Islam, even if you are near a river.
- Makeup Tip for Women: If you want to wear makeup after Wudu, first perform Wudu and then apply makeup. If you apply makeup before Wudu, you must remove it for the water to touch the skin.
Things that Break Wudu
For your prayer to remain valid, Wudu must stay intact. Here are things that break Wudu:
- Using the toilet
- Passing wind
- Deep sleep
- Losing consciousness
- Laughing loudly during Salah
If any of these happen, Wudu must be performed again before praying.