Ablution (wudu) is necessary for Muslims to purify themselves as they prepare to offer salah (Namaz, daily prayer) and recite the Quran. Moreover, it is mustahab for a Muslim to always be in a state of wudu. Reciting the dua upon completing the ablution is an essential etiquette taught to us by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The act of washing ourselves physically while simultaneously purifying our spirits is beloved by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
The etiquette to clean and purify ourselves through ablution and then to recite a dua afterward has been taught to Muslims by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and this simple yet essential tradition has been reported in (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 55) and in Bulugh al-Maram (58).
The following hadith narrated by Umar bin al-Khattab (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), states that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said," Whoever performs Wudhu, making Wudhu well, then says: (Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan-abduhu wa rasuluhu, Allahummajalni minat tawwabin, waj'alni minal mutatahhirin) 'I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone, there are no partners for Him. And I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O Allah! Make me among the repentant, and make me among those who purify themselves.' Then eight gates of Paradise are opened for him, that may enter by whichever of them wishes."
Prayer Duas
'Ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa 'ash-hadu 'anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasooluhu.
I bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.
Allaahummaj'alnee minat-tawwaabeena waj'alnee minal-mutatahhireen.
O Allah, make me among those who turn to You in repentance, and make me among those who are purified.
Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta, 'astaghfiruka wa 'atoobu 'ilayk.
Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.
After completing the ablution well, recite the Shahadah and then the dua, as said by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), narrated by Umar bin al-Khattab (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in Jami` at-Tirmidhi 55. (Be mindful of not reciting the dua inside the bathroom, but note that it is okay when/if you're in the designated area for wudu (wudu khana).
Reciting the dua upon completing the ablution acts as a reminder to purify not just our bodies but also our hearts and minds. Asking Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to include us among those who are sanctified helps us express the true desire we Muslims have to find our eternal abode in Jannah. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) validates our desire by relaying to us the immense prestige we gain from reciting the duas in the hadith narrated by Umar bin al-Khattab (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). To have eight gates of Paradise be opened and entering from whichever one we wish is inspiring and motivating us to reclaim our faith. Ablution, or Wudu, is an obligation upon believing Muslims, especially before standing for prayer. Reciting the dua upon completing the ablution is also essential to this etiquette.