How to Perform Wudu According to the Quran
For Muslims, prayer is one of the most fundamental acts of worship, and its prerequisite is being in a state of wudu (ablution). However, many Muslims today perform wudu as they were taught without questioning it, failing to distinguish between what is in accordance with the Quran and what is based on traditional interpretations. This article will clearly outline how wudu should be performed based solely on the Quran as the source, while also highlighting deviations in contemporary practices.
"O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:6)
Millions of Muslims perform wudu daily before prayer. But here lies a critical question: Is this wudu truly performed as Allah commanded in the Quran, or has it been shaped over the years by traditional practices, extra details, and conditions not found in the Quran?
The Quran describes how wudu should be performed in only one verse, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:6. This verse is so clear, simple, and straightforward that it leaves no need for further explanation. The verse lists the following steps in order: wash the face, wash the hands up to the elbows, wipe the head, and wipe or wash the feet. That is all. In Allah’s religion, there is a simple and understandable order. Complication, repetition, counting, or adding details belong not to the Quran but to other sources.
Today, however, many Muslims perform practices such as rinsing the mouth and nose, washing each limb three times, or wiping only a quarter of the head. Yet, none of these details are mentioned in the Quran. Allah simply says, "wash your hands," not "wash them three times." He says, "wipe your heads," without specifying "wipe a quarter of it." Such additions amount to associating partners with Allah’s command, for judgment belongs to Allah alone.
Wudu is explained in the Quran only in Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:6. This verse clearly and definitively describes how a Muslim should perform wudu:
"O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles."
*(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:6)*
The steps of wudu mentioned in this verse are:
· Wash the face.
· Wash the hands up to the elbows.
· Wipe the head.
· Wipe or wash the feet up to the ankles.
Beyond these four actions, no repetition count, no rinsing of the mouth and nose, no specific order of washing is mentioned.
"We have not neglected in the Register a thing."
*(Surah Al-An'am, 6:38)*
"And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy."
*(Surah An-Nahl, 16:89)*
These verses show that the Quran alone is sufficient to guide a Muslim’s life. Allah did not leave anything incomplete when describing wudu. Yet, if people continue to perform wudu based on traditional knowledge, it implies directly that they consider Allah’s commands insufficient.
Even regarding whether the feet should be washed or wiped, one must be careful. According to Arabic grammar, the word "ercüleküm" (your feet) in Al-Ma'idah 5:6 can be linked to the verb "wipe your heads," suggesting that the feet should also be wiped. Just as the head is commanded to be wiped, not washed, the same method may apply to the feet. The key here is not interpretation but the Quranic phrasing. If washing is commanded, then wash; if wiping, then wipe.
❌ Common Practices Not Found in the Quran
Today, the wudu practiced by many Muslims is based more on hadith books and sectarian rulings than on the Quran. Yet Allah says He has sent down "a clarifying Book" regarding religion:
"We have not neglected in the Register a thing." *(Surah Al-An'am, 6:38)*
"And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy." *(Surah An-Nahl, 16:89)*
Some common practices not found in the Quran include:
· Rinsing the mouth and nose (mazmaza and istinşak): No such instruction exists in the Quran.
· Washing each limb three times: The verse does not specify a repetition count.
· Wiping only a quarter of the head: No proportion or scope is given; "wipe your heads" suffices.
· Mandatory washing of the feet: The Arabic structure of the verse supports that the feet may also be wiped, like the head.
These additions complicate worship with formalism and exceed the limits set by Allah. The Quran’s language is simple and unburdened by excessive detail.
There are significant differences between wudu according to the Quran and what is taught today. Here are some common mistakes:
· Rinsing the mouth and nose: Not mentioned in the Quran.
· Washing each limb three times: The Quran does not specify a repetition count.
· Wiping only a quarter of the head: No proportion is given; it simply says "wipe."
· Mandatory washing of the feet: Arabic grammar suggests it may be linked to "wipe."
???? Should the Feet Be Washed or Wiped?
The word "ercüleküm" (your feet) in Al-Ma'idah 5:6, from a Quranic Arabic grammar perspective, can be linked to the verb commanding the wiping of the head. This suggests the feet may also be commanded to be wiped. In this case, wudu would be completed as follows:
· Wash the face and arms.
· Wipe the head and feet.
The Quran does not explicitly state that the feet must be washed; both interpretations are possible based on verb alignment. Therefore, remaining faithful to Allah’s clarity and avoiding dogmatic interpretations is essential.
???? Wudu According to the Quran: Simple and Clear
In summary, wudu according to the Quran is as follows:
1. Wash your face.
2. Wash your hands up to the elbows.
3. Wipe your head.
4. Wipe or wash your feet up to the ankles.
Allah has commanded nothing beyond these steps. No repetition count, no specific order, and no additional practices are imposed.
Today, practices like rinsing the mouth and nose, repeating limb washings, or washing hands in a specific order are neither mentioned in Al-Ma'idah 5:6 nor in any other verse. Such details stem solely from hadith books, sectarian rulings, or cultural traditions. Yet, the Muslim’s path is the Quran alone.
"When it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'No! We will follow what we found our fathers doing.'"
*(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:170)*
This verse perfectly describes the current situation. Many prefer to continue practices inherited from the past rather than performing acts of worship as Allah commanded. However, this contradicts the essence of religion. The Quran simplifies and clarifies religion. Additions complicate it, formalize it, and shift its focus from Allah to humans.
✅ Benefits of Quranic Wudu
Performing wudu according to the Quran:
· Fully complies with Allah’s command.
· Simplifies religion; does not complicate it.
· Avoids formalism.
· Instills awareness of worship without associating partners with Allah.
"Judgment belongs only to Allah."
(Surah Yusuf, 12:40)
This judgment applies to wudu as well. Therefore, staying within Allah’s limits is the most correct approach.
In conclusion, wudu according to the Quran is very simple: Wash the face. Wash the hands up to the elbows. Wipe the head. Wipe or wash the feet. There is no repetition, no specific order, and no counting. Only cleanliness and simplicity exist.
Performing wudu as Allah commanded is the most direct and sincere expression of submission to Him. Religion is learned solely from the Quran. Straying from the Quran means straying from Allah’s judgment.