Ablution, or Wudu, is a beautiful act of cleanliness and purification that Muslims perform before prayer. It prepares the body and soul for connecting with Allah in salah. While performing Wudu is an essential part of the prayer, certain duas can make the experience even more rewarding. These duas remind us of our spiritual journey and invite blessings into our lives.
The Importance of Wudu
Before jumping into the duas, it’s important to understand that Wudu is not just about physical cleanliness. The Quran says in Surah Al-Ma’idah:
“Allah does not intend to inconvenience you, but He intends to purify you and perfect His favour to you, so that you may give thanks.” (Quran, 5:6)
This ayah teaches us that Wudu is a form of purification that brings us closer to Allah. It cleans both the body and the heart, making us ready to stand before Him in prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized the significance of cleanliness by saying, “Cleanliness is half of faith.” (Sahih Muslim)
Dua Before Starting Wudu
The first dua to recite before starting Wudu is very simple. You just say:
“Bismillah”
Translation: In the Name of Allah.
Urdu Translation: اللہ کے نام سے۔
This is not a compulsory dua, but it is a sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Reciting “Bismillah” before Wudu brings blessings and sets a spiritual tone for the act of purification. It reminds us that everything begins with Allah’s name and by His will.
The Rewards of Wudu
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that whoever performs Wudu and completes it, then says a certain dua, the gates of Paradise will be opened for them. Can you imagine such an amazing reward for something we do every day?
Dua After Wudu
After completing Wudu, the sunnah is to recite the Shahada, which is the declaration of faith. Here is the dua:
Arabic
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ
Transliteration
Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa Rasooluhu.
Translation (English)
“I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.”
Translation (Urdu)
“میں گواہی دیتا ہوں کہ اللہ کے سوا کوئی عبادت کے لائق نہیں، وہ اکیلا ہے، اس کا کوئی شریک نہیں، اور میں گواہی دیتا ہوں کہ محمد (ﷺ) اللہ کے بندے اور رسول ہیں۔”
Additional Duas After Wudu
There are also two more beautiful duas that you can recite after Wudu:
Transliteration
Allaahummaj’alnee minat-tawwaabeena waj’alnee minal-mutatahhireen.
Translation (English)
“O Allah, make me among those who turn to You in repentance, and make me among those who are purified.”
Translation (Urdu)
“اے اللہ! مجھے ان لوگوں میں شامل فرما جو توبہ کرنے والے ہیں اور ان میں شامل فرما جو پاکیزہ ہیں۔”
Transliteration
Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika, ‘ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illaa ‘Anta, ‘astaghfiruka wa ‘atoobu ‘ilayk.
Translation (English)
“Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise; I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.”
Translation (Urdu)
“پاک ہے تو اے اللہ! اور تیری تعریف ہے، میں گواہی دیتا ہوں کہ تیرے سوا کوئی عبادت کے لائق نہیں، میں تجھ سے معافی مانگتا ہوں اور تیری طرف رجوع کرتا ہوں۔”
When to Recite These Duas
Before starting Wudu Recite “Bismillah.”
After completing Wudu Recite the Shahada and, if possible, the other duas mentioned above.
These simple duas add a special spiritual touch to your Wudu. By remembering Allah before and after, you enhance your connection with Him and increase the rewards of this everyday act.
FAQs About the Dua for Wudu
Q: Is it necessary to recite these duas before and after Wudu?
No, it is not compulsory but it is highly recommended as it follows the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).
Q: Can I recite these duas in my heart if I forget to say them out loud?
Yes, you can say them in your heart if you forget to say them aloud.
Q: Is Wudu valid without these duas?
Yes, your Wudu is still valid without these duas, but reciting them brings additional blessings.
Q: Can I make my own dua after Wudu?
Yes, you can make any personal dua after completing Wudu in addition to the recommended ones.