Wudu (Ritual Ablution)
The ritual cleansing with water, required before prayer.
Wudu (Arabic: وضوء) is the ritual ablution with water that is obligatory before one can perform salah (prayer). Wudu is a prerequisite for the prayer's validity and symbolizes both physical and spiritual purification.
Wudu is performed in a specific order: one washes the hands three times, rinses the mouth three times, cleanses the nose three times, washes the face three times, washes the arms to the elbows three times, wipes over the head with wet hands, and washes the feet to the ankles three times.
Wudu is invalidated by certain actions, including using the toilet, sleep, unconsciousness, and bleeding (according to some schools of law). When wudu is broken, one must perform a new wudu before the next prayer.
The Quran says: "O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands and arms to the elbows, wipe over your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles" (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:6).
Related terms
Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter of Sincerity)
The 112th chapter of the Quran, declaring Allah's absolute oneness.
Salat al-Musafir (Traveler's Prayer)
The shortened prayers that travelers perform while traveling.
Mab'ath (The Prophet's Calling)
The day when Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation and was called to prophethood.
Sawm (Fasting)
Islamic fasting from dawn to sunset, closely connected with prayer.
Turbah (Prayer Stone)
A small clay tablet upon which Shia Muslims place their forehead during sujud.
Mustahab (Recommended)
Actions that are recommended but not obligatory, and that give extra reward.