Islam places great emphasis on physical and spiritual cleanliness. The Prophet ο·Ί said: "Cleanliness is half of faith." (Sahih Muslim)
Wudu is required before prayer. Steps:
1. Intention (niyyah)
2. Wash hands three times
3. Rinse mouth three times
4. Rinse nose three times
5. Wash face three times
6. Wash arms to elbows three times (right then left)
7. Wipe head once
8. Wash feet to ankles three times (right then left)
Wudu is broken by: relieving oneself, passing gas, deep sleep, loss of consciousness.
Required after: marital relations, menstruation (upon completion), post-natal bleeding, and embracing Islam.
Steps: intention, wash hands, clean private parts, perform wudu, pour water over entire body beginning with right side.
Permitted when water is unavailable or harmful to use. Strike pure earth with palms, wipe face then hands.