The short answer
Before formal prayer Muslims perform wudu: washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms to the elbows, wiping the head, and washing the feet. Qur’an 5:6 prescribes it. Wudu remains valid until broken by using the toilet, passing wind, deep sleep, and similar things, so a person does not necessarily wash before every prayer.
A little more context
Washing marks a transition from ordinary activity to worship and expresses the idea that one approaches God clean in body as well as intention. Where water is unavailable or harmful to use, a symbolic cleansing with clean earth, tayammum, takes its place. A fuller bath, ghusl, is required after sexual activity, menstruation, and before Friday prayer by recommendation.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 5:6 The prescription of wudu and of tayammum.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 135 Prayer is not accepted without purification.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.