Dua Before Wudu Meaning in English & Arabic (Dua Before Ablution)

Here is the authentic dua before wudu according to the Sunnah. The word Al-wudu’ in Arabic language is derived from Al-Wadaah, which means beauty and neatness.

But in the Sharee’ah, it means purification of the four body parts in a specific manner; these body parts are the face, the two hands, the head and the two legs.

Al-Wudu’ (ablution) is one of the bounties of Allah – Blessed is He, the Most High – to this Ummah for He commanded them to perform it and He attached rewards to it.

Dua Before Wudu in Arabic

The dua before starting Wudu is:

بِسْمِ اللّهِ

Transliteration

Bismilllah

Dua Before Starting Wudu Meaning in English

The meaning of the dua before ablution (wudu) is “In the name of Allah’.

With regard to what is to be said at the beginning, the only thing that has been narrated is to mention the name of Allah by saying Bismillah (in the name of Allah). 

Al-Nawawi narrated in al-Majmu’ (1/385) that al-Bayhaqi said: 

“The soundest report concerning saying Bismillah (for wudu) is the hadith of Anas, according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) put his hand in the vessel of water then he said:

“Do wudu in the name of Allah.” [Anas] said: I saw the water springing up from between his fingers, and the people did wudu until the last of them had done wudu, and there were nearly seventy men.

Its isnad is jayyid, and it was quoted as evidence by al-Bayhaqi in his book Ma’rifat al-Sunan wa’l-Athar; he classed the other ahadith as da’eef (weak).”

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There is no wudu for one who does not mention the name of Allah in it.”

Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 25. He said: Concerning this topic it was narrated from ‘Aishah, Abu Sa’id, Abu Hurayrah, Sahl ibn Sa’d and Anas. Ahmad ibn Hanbal said: I do not know of any hadith with a jayyid isnad on the topic. (Al-Tirmidhi)

The hadeeth was classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Tirmidhi. 

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Steps of Wudu

Here are the steps:

1. Intention (Niyyah): Begin with the intention to perform ablution for the purpose of prayer.
2. Start with the Name of Allah (Bismillah): Begin by saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah).
3. Wash Hands: Wash your hands up to the wrists three times.
4. Rinse Mouth: Take water into your mouth using your right hand and rinse it three times.
5. Nose Cleansing (Sniff Water): Sniff water into your nose and then blow it out three times using the left hand.
6. Face Washing: Wash your face three times, from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear.
7. Arms: Wash your right arm up to the elbow three times, then do the same for the left arm.
8. Wipe Head: Wet your hands and wipe your head once, moving from the forehead to the back of the head and back to the forehead.
9. Wipe Ears: Use your wet index fingers to wipe the inside of your ears, and use your thumbs to wipe the back of your ears. Do this once.
10. Wash Feet: Wash your right foot up to the ankle three times, then do the same for the left foot.
11. Closing Supplication (Dua): Conclude by saying the Shahada or any other supplication to express gratitude and seek forgiveness.

When to Perform Wudu

In Islam, ablution (Wudu) is required in various situations. Here are instances when you should perform ablution:

1. Before Prayer (Salah): Ablution is obligatory before performing any formal prayer. It ensures spiritual and physical purity during the act of worship.
2. Touching the Quran: Ablution is recommended before touching the Quran or reading verses from it, out of respect for the sacred text.
3. Entering the Mosque: It is recommended to perform ablution before entering a mosque as a sign of cleanliness and reverence for the sacred space.
4. After Loss of Consciousness (e.g., Sleep, Fainting): Ablution is necessary after losing consciousness, as it is believed that sleep or unconsciousness breaks the state of ritual purity.
5. Before Tawaf (Circumambulation) during Hajj or Umrah: Pilgrims should perform ablution before engaging in the Tawaf ritual around the Kaaba.
6. Before and After Handling a Deceased Body: Ablution is recommended before handling a deceased body, and it is also advised afterward as a form of spiritual purification.
7. Before Supplication (Dua): While not obligatory, it is recommended to be in a state of ablution when making supplications to enhance the spiritual connection.

It’s important to note that maintaining ablution is encouraged as much as possible to remain in a state of ritual purity. If a person breaks their ablution during the mentioned activities, they are required to renew it before engaging in acts that necessitate it.

Ablution (Wudu) holds significant importance in Islam for several reasons:

1. Spiritual Purity: Ablution purifies the worshipper spiritually, creating a state of ritual purity before engaging in acts of worship, especially prayers (Salah).
2. Preparation for Prayer: Ablution is a prerequisite for performing the obligatory prayers. It is a symbol of readiness and reverence before standing in front of Allah.
3. Symbolic Purification: The physical act of ablution symbolizes the purification of the soul and the removal of sins. It is a reminder of the constant need for spiritual purification.
4. Preparation for Other Acts of Worship: Ablution is not only for prayers but is also required for other acts of worship, such as touching the Quran or performing Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba during Hajj.
5. Symbol of Equality: Regardless of social status, wealth, or nationality, all Muslims, when performing ablution, engage in the same acts. This emphasizes the equality of believers in the eyes of Allah.
6. Hygiene and Physical Cleansing: Ablution promotes physical cleanliness, which is considered important for overall health and well-being. It includes washing the face, hands, and feet, contributing to personal hygiene.