Before attempting any sort of prayer, our bodies should be totally purified. In order for us to be in this state, he or she must perform something called Wudu (Ablution). Again, the best way to learn Wudu is to watch others face to face. 

Here are the steps for Wudu:

** The first step in performing Wudu, is to have the intentions of purifying your heart.

** Rinse your palms up the wrist three times; right palm first then your left.

** Rinse your mouth 3 times. (Preferably with three gargles) Wash nose by sniffing in it three times.

** Wash the face three times making sure that water reaches all the areas of you face. Then was each hand up to the elbow three times, right hand first then your left hand. Wipe your hand (hair) with wet hands, and then rub the ears with wet hands.

** Finally, wash your feet up to the ankle three times starting with the right foot.

** You are able to maintain the state of Wudu unless you attend the call of nature, pass wind, sleep, or become unconscious. 

** Now, if a person was in a major state of impurity resulting from actions like, i.e. intercourse or semen discharge, then he must perform Ghusl (Bathing) Women should also carry out this cleansing to purify themselves after intercourse, wet dreams, or recovering from menstrual period and child birth.

The procedure for Ghusl (bathing) is as follows:

** Make the intention for Ghusl (ceremonial bath)
** Wash the private parts,
** Perform ablution (Wudu) as you do before prayer,
** Pour water over the head
** Wash the whole body, head and hair thoroughly so as not to leave a dry spot.
** Wash feet before getting out of bathing area
** Thank and praise Allah and supplicate him. It is required that a Muslim perform Ghusl once a week, that is on Friday before the congregational prayers but a daily bath is hygienically preferred. Women are excused from prayers on days of menstruation and childbirth period.