How to Wash the Feet Correctly During Wudu?
The best and most virtuous method of washing the feet is as follows:
- Take a handful of water in the right hand.
- Pour the water gradually over the foot and wash it with the hand.
- Wash the right foot first, then wash the left foot.
- The feet must be washed, including the ankles, and no area should be left dry.
If for any reason a person needs to wash the feet under a tap, they should still make an effort to use as little water as possible.
How to Perform Toe Khilal During Wudu?
It is also a Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) to perform khilal (interlacing) between the toes
while washing the feet.
Hadith: Mustawrid ibn Shaddad (RA) narrates:
- I saw the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) performing Wudu, and he was rubbing between
his toes with his little finger. - (Sunan Abi Dawud: 148)
The purpose of khilal is to ensure that water reaches between all the toes. The best method
is to take water in the right hand, pour it gradually over the foot, then use the little finger
to interlace between the toes and wash the entire foot thoroughly so that no area remains dry.
What Is the Warning Against Leaving the Heels Dry During Wudu?
A severe warning has been narrated from the Prophet (PBUH) regarding negligence in washing the feet during Wudu.
Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
- Hadith: Woe to the heels from the Fire!
(Sahih al-Bukhari 163)
The context of this Hadith is that the Prophet (PBUH) saw his Companions performing
Wudu hurriedly during a journey, and parts of their feet,
particularly the heels, were being left dry. Upon seeing this, he said: Woe to the heels from the Fire! Woe to the heels from the Fire!
Therefore, the feet must be washed thoroughly. The right foot is washed first, followed
by the left foot.
Once both feet have been washed, the practical method of performing Wudu is complete.
Is It Permissible to Use a Towel or Tissue After Wudu?
After completing Wudu, Islamic law permits a person to dry their hands, face, or any other
wet limbs using a cloth, towel, or tissue. This is an established permissible act.
What Is the Hadith About Drying the Limbs After Wudu?
Aisha (RA) narrates:
Hadith:
- The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had a piece of cloth with which he would dry his
limbs after performing Wudu. - (Ref: Jamia-Tirmidhi 53)
Some narrations mention that the Prophet (PBUH) came out after performing Ghusl and was offered a cloth, but he declined it.
However, these narrations do not prove that drying the limbs is prohibited.
They simply show that he did not always choose to do so.
Is Using a Towel After Wudu Obligatory or Sinful?
A person has full permission in this matter.
After Wudu, one may dry their limbs or leave them wet.
Since the narration of Aisha (RA) is established and is graded as Hasan (acceptable), using a cloth after Wudu is permissible.
However, it is neither obligatory to dry the limbs after Wudu, nor is there any sin
in doing so.
The Prophet (PBUH) sometimes kept a cloth to dry his limbs
after Wudu, and at other times he did not dry them. Both practices are established from him.
📖 Next Step in Wudu: What Is the Method and Ruling of Wiping Over Socks in Wudu? →
