Wudu is the key to prayer. Children learn it best by doing it beside a parent.
Step by step
| Step | Action | Times |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intention in the heart; say Bismillah | Once |
| 2 | Wash both hands to the wrists | 3 |
| 3 | Rinse the mouth | 3 |
| 4 | Rinse the nose (sniff water in gently, blow out) | 3 |
| 5 | Wash the face, forehead to chin, ear to ear | 3 |
| 6 | Wash the right arm to the elbow, then the left | 3 each |
| 7 | Wipe the head with wet hands; then the ears | Once |
| 8 | Wash the right foot to the ankle, then the left | 3 each |
Schools of thought differ slightly in which steps are obligatory and which are Sunnah; follow your teacher.
The dua after wudu
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Reported with a great reward (Sahih Muslim 234).
A one-week plan
- Days 1–2: do it together, step by step.
- Days 3–4: your child leads, you prompt.
- Days 5–7: your child alone, you check.
Common mistakes
- Missing the elbows or ankles.
- Skipping the back of the heels.
- Using far too much water; the Prophet ﷺ used little.
Teacher’s tip: a picture chart by the sink helps children remember the order without asking.
Related: Istinja and words of the prayer.
