What are the obligatory parts of wudu?
The obligatory parts of wudu are washing the face, washing the arms up to the elbows, wiping part of the head, and washing the feet up to the ankles. These four come directly from the Quran. Most scholars add a few more, such as intention and doing the steps in order. Everything else, like rinsing the mouth three times, is sunnah.
The four parts everyone agrees on
All four Sunni schools agree on the four actions named in the wudu verse:
- Face: from the hairline to the chin, and from one ear to the other.
- Arms: from the fingertips up to and including the elbows.
- Head: a wet wipe. Schools differ on how much: the Shafi'is accept a small part, the Hanafis a quarter, and the Malikis and Hanbalis the whole head.
- Feet: up to and including the ankles.
What the schools add
Scholars looked at how the Prophet ﷺ always made wudu and added some conditions. In brief:
- Intention (niyyah): required by the Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools; the Hanafis see it as sunnah. It is just knowing in your heart that you are making wudu.
- Order: face, arms, head, feet in that sequence is required for Shafi'is and Hanbalis.
- Continuity: not leaving long gaps so one part dries before the next is required for Malikis and Hanbalis.
- Rubbing: passing your hand over the washed parts is required for Malikis.
- Mouth and nose: the Hanbalis count rinsing them as part of washing the face.
The simple way to be safe in every school: intend it, follow the normal order, don't pause, rub as you wash, and rinse your mouth and nose.
Missing a spot
Water has to reach the whole of each obligatory part. The Prophet ﷺ saw people with dry heels and called out, "Woe to the heels from the Fire" (Sahih al-Bukhari 60). He also told a man who had left a dry patch the size of a fingernail on his foot to go back and make his wudu properly (Sahih Muslim 243). So a waterproof layer, like some nail polish or heavy makeup, needs to come off. See Can I make wudu with makeup on?
If you have a cast or a wound, there is an easier rule. See Can I make wudu with a cast or bandage?
Don't overthink it
If you remember a step was missed while you are still at the sink, simply do it and continue. If you only have a vague doubt after finishing, ignore it. Doubt after an act of worship is not counted. See What is waswas and how do I deal with it?
- Face, arms to the elbows, wiping the head, and feet to the ankles are agreed obligations.
- Most schools add intention; some add order, continuity, rubbing or rinsing mouth and nose.
- Water must reach every bit of the obligatory parts.
- Doubts after you finish can be ignored.
People also ask
Does touching a woman break wudu?
Whether touching a woman breaks wudu depends on the school: Hanafis say no, Shafi'is say skin contact does, Malikis and Hanbalis only with desire.
Read the full answer →What are the sunnahs of wudu?
The sunnahs of wudu include Bismillah, siwak, rinsing mouth and nose, three washes, right before left, saving water and two rak'ahs after.
Read the full answer →How do I make wudu?
To make wudu, intend it, say Bismillah, wash hands, mouth, nose, face and arms, wipe head and ears, then wash your feet. A simple step-by-step guide.
Read the full answer →Is semen najis?
Semen is najis in the Hanafi and Maliki schools but pure for Shafi'is and Hanbalis. Either way, wash it off, and ejaculation still requires ghusl.
Read the full answer →What do I do if my clothes touch urine?
If urine touches your clothes, wash that spot with water before you pray. A normal washing machine cycle works, and doubt doesn't make it impure.
Read the full answer →