Dua For Wudu (Before Wudu and After Wudu)

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) says in the Qur’an: “Allah does not intend to inconvenience you, but He intends to purify you and perfect His favor to you, so that you may give thanks.” (Qur’an 5:6)

Islam emphasizes two forms of purification: inner purity (of the heart and mind) and outer purity (of the body). As narrated in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught: “Cleanliness is half of faith.”

Wudu (ritual ablution) is an obligatory act of outer purification before prayer (salah). While the act of wudu itself is fardh (obligatory), the supplications (duas) associated with it are sunnah (Prophetic practice)—meaning they are recommended but not required. Forgetting to recite them does not invalidate your wudu or prayer, but incorporating them increases blessings and aligns your actions with the Sunnah.

Below are the authentic duas for before and after wudu, rooted in the Prophet’s teachings, along with their Arabic text, transliteration, translation, and context.

The simplest and most beloved dua to recite before starting wudu is invoking the Name of Allah:

Arabic Text:

بِسْمِ الله

Transliteration:

Bismillah

English Translation:

“In the Name of Allah.”

Authenticity & Context:

This dua is supported by the Sunnah and compiled in Hisnul Muslim (Du’a #12). Umar bin Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “None of you makes wudu and completes it, then says [the Shahada], except that all eight Gates of Paradise are opened for him, so he may enter by whichever he pleases.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 148, graded Sahih by Darussalam)

Reciting “Bismillah” at the start of wudu is a act of mindfulness, reminding you that even routine acts of purification are done for Allah’s sake.

The primary dua to recite after finishing wudu is the Shahada (Testimony of Faith)—a declaration of Tawhid (Allah’s oneness) that is central to Islam.

Arabic Text:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لا إِلَـهَ إِلاّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَريـكَ لَـهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمّـداً عَبْـدُهُ وَرَسـولُـه

Transliteration:

Ash-hadu ‘an lā ‘ilāha ‘illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu wa ‘ash-hadu anna Muḥammadan abduhu wa Rasūluhu

English Translation:

“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.”

Authenticity & Context:

This dua is confirmed in Hisnul Muslim (Du’a #13) and is the Prophetic practice. As Umar’s narration highlights, reciting the Shahada after perfecting wudu is a source of immense reward, opening the gates of Paradise.

The Prophet (ﷺ) also occasionally recited the following duas after completing wudu. These are recommended for those seeking to deepen their connection with Allah through the Sunnah:

Transliteration:

Allāhumma ajalnee min at-tawwābeena wajalnee min al-mutatahhireen

English Translation:

“O Allah, make me among those who turn to You in repentance, and make me among those who are purified.”

Reference: Hisnul Muslim

Transliteration:

Subhānaka Allāhumma wa bihamdika, ‘ash-hadu ‘an lā ‘ilāha ‘illā ‘Anta, ‘astaghfiruka wa ‘ātoobu ‘ilayk

English Translation:

“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.”

Reference: Hisnul Muslim

By incorporating these duas into your wudu routine, you honor the Sunnah, increase your rewards, and transform a mandatory act of purification into a meaningful spiritual practice.

May Allah accept your wudu, purify your heart and body, and guide you to follow the Prophet’s example in all things. Ameen.

Jazakallah khair—may Allah reward you with His mercy and guidance.