Maintaining wudu (ablution) is very important for every Muslim because it helps in staying spiritually clean and ready to pray. Many people sometimes wonder what breaks wudu and what actions need to be done again before they can pray. Knowing these things is not only important for making sure their prayers are proper, but also helps them stay more aware and focused in their everyday life. In this article, we will talk about six main situations that stop wudu from being valid, based on Islamic teachings, so you can pray with more confidence and understanding.

Ablution, or Wudu, is a fundamental ritual in Islam that underscores both spiritual and physical purification.  While the act of performing Wudu is essential, it is equally important to understand what nullifies it and learn what breaks wudu. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the seven key actions and events that break Wudu. 

What Breaks Wudu?

The actions and events that invalidate Wudu are rooted in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining spiritual and physical purity. 

Experience personalized Islamic learning: Free consultation available with Al-Azhar-certified Sheikhs from Egypt.

Here, we explore the seven primary factors to know what breaks wudu before resuming acts of worship:

Apostasy from Islam

According to Al-Awza’i and Abu Thawr, apostasy nullifies ablution (wudu) and invalidates dry ablution (tayammum), requiring a new wudu upon returning to Islam. 

The opposing view cites the Qur’an, arguing that apostasy is an impurity that nullifies ritual acts, similar to how impurity invalidates prayer. 

The debate hinges on whether apostasy should be treated as an impurity that nullifies ablution, with different scholars taking varying positions.

Natural Bodily Discharges  

Among the most fundamental causes that what breaks wudu are natural bodily excretions, including urine, feces, and the passing of gas. Upon experiencing any of these, it is essential to renew your Wudu.  

Reason: 

These discharges are considered impurities, creating a barrier in one’s prayer. 

Reference: 

“يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ فَٱغْسِلُوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى ٱلْمَرَافِقِ وَٱمْسَحُوا۟ بِرُءُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى ٱلْكَعْبَيْنِ ۚ وَإِن كُنتُمْ جُنُبًۭا فَٱطَّهَّرُوا۟ ۚ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَىٰٓ أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَآءَ أَحَدٌۭ مِّنكُم مِّنَ ٱلْغَآئِطِ أَوْ لَـٰمَسْتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوا۟ مَآءًۭ فَتَيَمَّمُوا۟ صَعِيدًۭا طَيِّبًۭا فَٱمْسَحُوا۟ بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ ۚ مَا يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ لِيَجْعَلَ عَلَيْكُم مِّنْ حَرَجٍۢ وَلَـٰكِن يُرِيدُ لِيُطَهِّرَكُمْ وَلِيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ”

O believers! When you rise up for prayer, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of ˹full˺ impurity,1 then take a full bath. But if you are ill, on a journey, or have relieved yourselves, or have been intimate with your wives and cannot find water, then purify yourselves with clean earth by wiping your faces and hands.2 It is not Allah’s Will to burden you, but to purify you and complete His favour upon you, so perhaps you will be grateful.

(Al-Ma’idah 5:6)

This is what breaks wudu for a man and a woman.

Entering a Deep Sleep  

While a brief nap may not affect your Wudu, falling into a deep, unconscious sleep does. 

During such profound sleep, there is a possibility of unconscious discharges, making it necessary to perform Wudu again.  

Reason: 

Deep sleep causes a person to lose awareness of their surroundings and bodily functions.  

Reference: Here a hadith on what breaks wudu

Narrated Ali: The Prophet said, “The eye is the string of the anus, so whoever sleeps should perform ablution.”

Sahih Al-Bukhari.

Direct Touching of Private Parts  

Direct skin-to-skin contact with one’s genitals, without any barrier, is widely recognized as an action that what breaks wudu. This ruling is deeply rooted in various Hadiths and is a common practice in Islamic teachings. 

Reason: Physical contact with the private parts can lead to sexual arousal, thus compromising one’s state of purity.  

Reference: 

“Whoever touches his private part should perform ablution.” 

Sahih Muslim.

Experiencing Loss of Consciousness  

Any form of unconsciousness, whether due to fainting or intoxication, nullifies the prior Wudu. 

Reason: Similar to deep sleep, a loss of consciousness renders a person unaware of their state.  

Reference: While there is no specific Hadith or Ayah detailing this, it is a consensus among scholars derived from the importance of awareness in Wudu.

Consumption of Camel Meat  

According to several Hadiths, consuming camel meat is a unique factor that invalidates Wudu. If this seems surprising, it is worth exploring further in our Fiqh course.  

Reason: It is believed that camel meat has properties that can disrupt one’s purified state.

Reference: 

The hadith of Jaabir: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked, “Should I do Wudu after eating camel meat?” He said, “Yes.” The person asked, “Should I do Wudu after eating mutton?” He said, “If you wish.” 

(Narrated by Muslim, 360).

Profuse Blood Discharge  

When there is a significant discharge of blood, whether from a wound or a nosebleed, it becomes necessary to renew Wudu. 

Reason: Blood is viewed as an impurity in Islam.  

Reference: 

“And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves.”

Quran, Al-Ma’idah 5:6. 

While this verse specifically addresses janabah, scholars extend the principle of purification to include major impurities like profuse bleeding.

We offer a wide selection of online Quran courses, allowing you to choose the number of classes you take each week.

Vomiting Substantial Amounts  

Vomiting a substantial amount, typically defined as a mouthful or more, is another event that what breaks wudu. The amount of vomit plays a crucial role in determining whether Wudu needs to be renewed.  

Reason: Expelling impurities from the body can invalidate Wudu.  

Reference: 

This ruling is based more on scholarly consensus rather than a specific Hadith or Ayah.

Periods break wadu.

Regarding menstruation, it is clear that a woman’s Wudu is broken during her period. 

While some women may perform Wudu during menstruation, it is unnecessary since the act of Wudu is nullified by menstruation. 

It’s crucial to distinguish between menstrual bleeding and bleeding that occurs between periods, which might be due to illness, contraceptive use, or other medical reasons. 

The latter type of bleeding is regarded as a vein bleeding rather than a menstrual flow, as stated by the Prophet (SAW). 

In these cases, each instance of bleeding requires a new Wudu, similar to the ruling for urine or other discharges. Although this can be burdensome, it is necessary to maintain the state of purity.

This is what breaks wudu for a woman.

Additionally, losing one’s mental faculties

whether through insanity, unconsciousness, or temporary loss of awareness due to sleep or intoxication—also invalidates Wudu.

This is simply what breaks Wudu. here you the etiquettes of the Istikhara prayer, you can check our Islamic studies course.

Things That Do Not Break Wudu

Here are some actions that do not invalidate Wudu, which are important to keep in mind:

• Changing clothes does not break Wudu.
• Looking in the mirror will not break your Wudu—this might sound surprising, but it’s true!
• Kissing or hugging your spouse does not invalidate Wudu unless done with desire and results in a discharge.
• Cutting your nails does not break Wudu.
• Crying does not affect your Wudu.
• Sleeping lightly without losing full consciousness or leaning heavily against something also does not break Wudu.

I hope this clarification helps you better understand the actions that do and do not break Wudu.

Learn Online With Ulum Al Azhar!

The academy features:

• Authentic syllabuses were developed by scholars from Al-Azhar in Egypt.
• A team of certified instructors from Al-Azhar University who are fluent in English and provide step-by-step guidance to help you achieve your learning goals.
• One-on-one private classes ensure 100% comprehension and greater convenience.
• Affordable course prices with various discounts.

Join us at Ulum Al-Azhar today and embark on a fulfilling journey toward Purification & Prayer (Taharah & Salah)

Conclusion To What Breaks Wudu?

Understanding what breaks wudu is crucial for every practicing Muslim, as it highlights Islam’s deep commitment to both spiritual and physical purity. 

To enhance your knowledge and spiritual journey, we invite you to enroll in our specialized Fiqh course on Islamic Jurisprudence. 

This carefully curated program provides profound insights into these essential Islamic practices, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the principles that guide our faith.

You can also reach out to the qualified professionals at Ulum Al-Azhar for assistance in learning what breaks wudu and interpreting its outcomes. Get a Free Consultation Session Now.

Faqs On What Breaks Wudu?

Does Touching Something Dirty Break Wudu?
No, touching something impure does not break wudu, except for touching a cold dead body before it is washed. If impurity gets on the hand, only washing is required.

Which Foods Break Wudu?
Food generally does not break wudu. Some schools mention exceptions such as eating camel meat or cooked food, but in the Maliki school these do not invalidate wudu.

Does a 10 Minute Nap Break Wudu?
Deep sleep, even if short, breaks wudu because awareness is lost. Light sleep with full consciousness does not.

Is My Wudu Broken If I Lie?

Telling a lie does not invalidate ablution (Wudu).