Sunnah of wudu

Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 111   Narrated by Ali ibn AbuTalib Abdu Khayr said: ‘An utensil containing water and a wash-basin were brought to Hadrat Ali (r.a.) ibn Abi Taalib. He (Ali (r.a.)) poured water from the utensil on his right hand and washed both his hands three times, rinsed the mouth three times, snuffed up water and cleansed the nose three times. He then washed his face three times, and washed his right hand (up to the elbow) three times and washed his left hand (upto the elbow) three times. He then put his hand in water and wiped his head once. He then washed his right foot (upto the ankles) thrice and left foot (upto the ankles) thrice, and then he said: ‘If one is pleased to know the method of performing ablution of the Messenger of Allah (saws), this is how he did it.’ The Sunnah method of performing the ‘wudu’ is:

1. Make intention to purify oneself for prayer and say ‘Bismillah’
2. Wash both hands upto the wrists three times.
3. Thoroughly rinse one’s mouth three times.
4. Snuff water and cleanse the nose three times.
5. Wash one’s face three times
6. Wash one’s right hand upto and including one’s elbow three times.
7. Wash one’s left hand upto and including one’s elbow three times.
8. Wipe one’s head once.
9. Wash one’s right foot upto and including one’s ankles three times.
10. Wash one’s left foot upto and including one’s ankles three times.

There is absolutely no evidence in the authentic and established Sunnah that other than the declaration of ‘Bismillah’ at the beginning of the ‘wudu’, the Messenger of Allah (saws) would recite any specific dua or supplication during the performance of the ‘wudu’.  There is indeed evidence that he (saws) would make one of various supplications to Allah Subhanah after he had finished his ‘wudu’. The Messenger of Allah (saws) supplicated Allah thus after he had completed his ‘wudu’, : “‘Allah hummaj alnee minat-tawwabeen,  waj alnee minal mutah-tahereen’ (O Allah,  make me one of those who constantly repents to You,  and of those who purify themselves.)”

Related by At-Tirmidhi. Abu Saeed Al Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: “Whoever makes ‘wudu’ then says upon finishing his ‘wudu’: ‘Subhanaka Allah humma wa bihamdika,  ashhadu anlaa ilaaha illa anta,  astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilaik’ (Glory be to You O Allah,  and all praise belongs to You;   I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except You.   I seek Your Forgiveness,  and I turn to You),  it is written in a parchment,  then sealed; and is not opened till the Day of Resurrection.”

 

Narrated Hadrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (r.a.) that he heard the Messenger of Allah (saws) say:  ‘None of you makes ‘wudu’ and completes the ‘wudu’,  then says: “I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah Alone,  He has no partners;  and I bear witness that Mohamed is His slave-servant and His Messenger”,  except that all eight Gates of Paradise are opened for him,  so he may enter by whichever he pleases.’ Related by Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, An Nisaae, and Ibn Maajah.