What are the Mustahabbat (preferred actions) whilst performing wudu?

Published on: March 2, 2018

The Answer;

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

The following are the Mustahabbat of wudu in accordance to Imam Abu Hanifa(ra);

1. Facing the Qibla (direction of Makkah sharif/ prayer)
2. Making wudu at an elevated place
3. Making wudu sitting
4. Stroking a hand over organs while washing them
5. Performing wudu calmly
6. Moistening the hands (organs of wudu) prior to washing, especially in winter (to avoid the body going into a state of shock from cold water)
7. Avoiding taking assistance in making wudu from anyone, without necessity
8. Rinsing the mouth using the right hand
9. Sniffing water into the nose using the right hand
10. Using the left hand to clean the nose
11. Inserting the small finger of the left hand into the nostrils
12. Moistening the back of the neck using the back of the hands
13. Inserting the wet small finger of each hand into each ear whilst wiping the ears
14. Displacing any rings to ensure that water reaches the skin beneath them. If a ring is snug fit, it is mandatory to remove the ring so that water may flow beneath it.
15. Doing wudu before the beginning of the time of the salah if one is not a Ma’dhur Shar‘i (legally exempt).
16. Using both hands for washing the face
17. Starting from the fingers when washing the hands and feet
18. Wiping away droplets of each limb by hand after washing so that droplets of water may not fall upon the body or clothing, especially when one has to enter a Masjid; the dripping of wudu waterdrops on to the floor of the Masjid is considered Makruh Taḥrimi (major dislike).
19. Offering two Rak’ah Nafl salah after wudu if it is not a Makruh time. These Nawafil are called Tahiyya-tul-Wudu. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, pp. 293-300, vol. 1)

And Allah(swt) alone knows best.