Topic

Wudu & Purity

Wudu, ghusl, what breaks your wudu, and staying clean for prayer in everyday life. Short, honest answers for new Muslims.

What is istinja?

Istinja is cleaning your private parts with water after using the toilet. Learn how to do it, paper vs water, and why it matters for prayer.

No, you don't need a new wudu for every prayer. One wudu lasts until it breaks, though renewing it for each prayer is a rewarded sunnah.

Use just enough water for wudu to wet each part, ideally under a litre. The Prophet used about one mudd, and wasting water is disliked.

Yes, you can make wudu with seawater, which the Prophet called pure, and with clean chlorinated pool water. When water is not valid for wudu.

No, swearing does not break wudu in any of the four schools, but renewing it after angry words is recommended. Here is why it still matters.

No, being naked does not break wudu. Learn what does, why touching private parts is debated, and how to keep wudu after a shower.

For most scholars, touching your private parts directly with the inner hand breaks wudu; Hanafis say it doesn't. Through clothes it never does.

Whether vomiting breaks wudu depends on the school: Shafi'is and Malikis say no, Hanafis say a mouthful does, Hanbalis a large amount.

No, laughing outside prayer does not break wudu. Audible laughter in prayer breaks the prayer, and Hanafis say loud laughter breaks wudu too.

No, touching a dog does not break wudu. The schools differ on whether its saliva or wet fur is impure, so wash a licked spot before praying.

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.

The sunnahs of wudu include Bismillah, siwak, rinsing mouth and nose, three washes, right before left, saving water and two rak'ahs after.