How to Make Wudu: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids
Nine simple steps, the dua after wudu and tips to make it a habit – with a free poster for the bathroom wall. Here is our simple guide on how to make wudu for kids.
Wudu is the washing Muslims do before prayer. Kids can learn it in nine steps: make the intention and say Bismillah, wash the hands, rinse the mouth, rinse the nose, wash the face, wash the arms to the elbows, wipe the head, wipe the ears and wash the feet – then say the dua after wudu.
In this guide
The 9 steps of wudu
Intention & Bismillah
Intend in your heart to make wudu and say “Bismillah”.
Wash the hands
Up to the wrists, three times, right hand first.
Rinse the mouth
Bring water to the mouth with the right hand, swish and spit, three times.
Rinse the nose
Gently draw a little water in and blow it out, three times.
Wash the face
From the forehead to the chin and from ear to ear, three times.
Wash the arms
From the fingertips up to and including the elbows, three times, right first.
Wipe the head
With wet hands, from the front to the back and back again – once.
Wipe the ears
Index fingers inside, thumbs behind – once.
Wash the feet
Up to and including the ankles, between the toes, three times, right first.
Free printable
Wudu Steps for Kids – Free Poster
9 illustrated steps of wudu kids can follow on their own. Get the PDF free by email.
Get it freeThe dua after wudu
After wudu · Shahada
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, without partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”
Sahih Muslim 234
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever makes wudu well and then says this, the eight gates of Paradise are opened for them (Sahih Muslim 234). What a beautiful motivation to share with your child!
What breaks wudu?
- Using the bathroom (urine, stool, passing wind)
- Deep sleep
- Losing consciousness
Keep it simple for young children: “After the bathroom or a nap, we make wudu again before praying.”
How to teach it
Do it together
Stand side by side at the sink for the first week.
One step a day
Add a step each day until the full sequence is easy.
Use a poster
Hang the steps at eye level so they can check alone.
Save water
The Prophet ﷺ used very little water – a great lesson in care.
Wudu at school and on trips
Making wudu in a public restroom can feel awkward for kids. A small foldable basin and a quick-dry towel make it discreet and clean.
Not available yet: our Wudu Travel Kit is still in the works. Join our free printables list on the Freebies page to hear when it is ready.
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Frequently asked questions
How many times do you wash in wudu?
Most parts are washed three times (hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, feet), while the head and ears are wiped once. Washing once is the minimum; three times is the Sunnah.
At what age should kids learn wudu?
Around 5–7, so that they are ready when they start learning salah at seven. Younger children can copy you for fun.
Is the dua after wudu obligatory?
No, it is a recommended Sunnah with a great reward (Sahih Muslim 234), and very easy for children to learn.
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