Do I need to remove contact lenses for wudu?
No, you don't need to remove contact lenses for wudu. Washing the face in wudu means the outer skin of the face, not the inside of the eyes. Lenses sit on the eye itself, so they don't block anything you're required to wash. Leave them in and make wudu as normal.
Why lenses don't affect wudu
The Quran tells us to wash the face when making wudu. Scholars of all four schools agree that this means the surface of the face, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear. The inside of the eyes is not included, because washing inside the eye would be harmful and difficult.
Since a contact lens rests on the eyeball, not on the skin, it doesn't stop water reaching any part you must wash. The same applies in ghusl.
Keep your eyes safe
Opticians warn against getting tap water on contact lenses, because it can carry germs that cause serious eye infections. Islam doesn't ask you to splash water into your eyes, so you can protect them:
- Close your eyes gently while you wash your face.
- Use a wet hand rather than a big splash around the eye area.
- Make sure water still reaches the eyelids, the corners of the eyes and the skin around them.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel before opening your eyes wide.
If an eye infection or surgery means your doctor tells you to keep water away from part of your face, follow that advice and wipe or skip that small area as needed.
What about glasses?
Glasses are different. The frame sits on the bridge of your nose and sometimes on your temples, which are part of the face. Take your glasses off, or at least lift them, so water reaches the skin underneath. It only takes a second.
Other things that can block water
What matters for wudu is anything that forms a layer on the skin or nails and stops water reaching them, such as nail polish or waterproof makeup. See Can I make wudu with makeup on? and Can I pray with nail polish on?
Putting in or taking out lenses doesn't break wudu either. Touching your eye isn't on the list. See What breaks wudu?
- You don't need to take out contact lenses for wudu or ghusl.
- The inside of the eye isn't part of the wudu wash.
- Close your eyes while washing to keep lenses safe.
- Glasses should be lifted so water reaches the skin under them.
People also ask
Can I do ghusl with braided hair?
Yes, women can do ghusl without undoing braids, as long as water reaches the scalp and roots. Based on Umm Salamah's hadith in Sahih Muslim.
Read the full answer →Do I need to remove my braces or retainer for ghusl?
No, fixed braces stay in for ghusl. A removable retainer is best taken out; Hanafis and Hanbalis require rinsing the mouth in ghusl.
Read the full answer →Can I pray with a tampon or menstrual cup in?
It depends: you don't pray on your period at all, but with spotting or istihadah you can pray with a tampon or menstrual cup in, with wudu.
Read the full answer →What is istihada?
Istihada is bleeding outside a woman's normal period. Unlike a period, she still prays and fasts, making wudu after each prayer time begins.
Read the full answer →What is the difference between madhi, wadi and mani?
Madhi and wadi only need washing and wudu, while mani (semen or a woman's climax fluid) requires ghusl. Learn how to tell them apart.
Read the full answer →