How to Perform Wudu
Purification before prayer
Step 6: Wiping the Head
After washing the arms, the believer wipes the head. This act is an obligation of wudu, established clearly in the Qur’an and demonstrated consistently by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Unlike washing, wiping the head is done gently with wet hands. It teaches calmness, obedience, and precision in worship.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
وَٱمْسَحُوا۟ بِرُءُوسِكُمْ
Wamsahu biruusikum
And wipe over your heads.
This command is direct and concise. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) understood it as wiping the head with wet hands, not washing it, and this understanding was transmitted by the early scholars without dispute.
How This Step Is Performed
1. Wet both hands with water.
2. Place the hands at the front of the head (near the hairline).
3. Wipe the hands over the head toward the back.
4. Bring the hands back to the front, completing one wipe.
5. This is done once.
Evidence from the Sunnah
The Companions carefully described how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wiped his head during wudu.
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him)
فَمَسَحَ رَأْسَهُ بِيَدَيْهِ فَأَقْبَلَ بِهِمَا وَأَدْبَرَ
Famasaha rasahu biyadayhi faaqbala bihima wa adbara
“He wiped his head with both hands, moving them forward and backward.”
Understanding This Step According to the Salaf-us-Saliheen
The early generations of Islam agreed that wiping the head once fulfills the obligation. They emphasized following the exact action of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) without adding or reducing from it.
Imam Malik, Imam Ahmad, and other early scholars (may Allah be merciful to all of them) held that the entire head should be wiped, as this best reflects the Sunnah as practiced by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions.
A Gentle Reminder for the New Muslim
This step is meant to be light and easy. Do not pour water over your head, and do not repeat the wiping. Follow the Sunnah simply and calmly. As you learn, your wudu becomes not only correct, but beloved to Allah.