Why do muslims wash before prayer?

Muslims wash before prayer because Islam requires a state of ritual purity, called wudu, before standing in prayer before God. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught exactly how it is done: with the intention in the heart, the worshipper says “in the name of God”, then washes the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms to the elbows, wipes the head and ears, and washes the feet. Wudu is lost, and must be repeated, after using the toilet, passing wind, or deep sleep, among other things. Where water is unavailable or harmful to use, Islam allows tayammum, a symbolic wiping of face and hands with clean earth. After wudu the Muslim says the testimony of faith and asks God to count him among those who purify themselves. The illustrated guide “Prophet’s Prayer and Ablution Description” shows each step.