How to Perform Wudu
Purification before prayer
Step 7: Wiping the Ears
After wiping the head, the believer wipes the ears. This step is part of the Sunnah of wudu and completes the wiping of the head area, as practiced consistently by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).
The ears are wiped gently using the same water from wiping the head. No new water is taken, and the action is done once, calmly and carefully.
How This Step Is Performed
1. Use the same moisture remaining on the hands from wiping the head.
2. Place the index fingers inside the ears gently.
3. Wipe the inner part of the ears with the index fingers.
4. Wipe the outer part of the ears using the thumbs.
5. This wiping is done once.
Evidence from the Sunnah
The Companions Radiyallahu anhum described the wudu of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with precision, including how he wiped his ears.
A narration of Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him)
وَمَسَحَ أُذُنَيْهِ بَاطِنَهُمَا بِالسَّبَّاحَتَيْنِ وَظَاهِرَهُمَا بِإِبْهَامَيْهِ
Wamasaha udhunayhi batinahuma bissabbahatayn wa zahirahuma bi ibhamayhi
He wiped his ears, the inside with his index fingers and the outside with his thumbs.
The Understanding of the Salaf-us-Saliheen
The early generations of Islam understood wiping the ears as part of wiping the head. For this reason, they did not take new water for the ears. This practice reflects precision in following the Sunnah without excess.
Imam Ahmad and many of the early scholars (may Allah be merciful to them) held that wiping the ears is from the Sunnah, while the wudu remains valid if it is omitted unintentionally.
A Gentle Reminder for the New Muslim
Do not be rough when wiping your ears. This step is gentle and simple. If you forget it while learning, your wudu is still valid. Focus on learning gradually, and allow your worship to grow with understanding and calmness.