Chapter 04 - Wudu (Ablution)

29.  Narrated Abu Huraira Allah’s Messenger  said, "Had I not feared burdening my Ummah (followers), I would have commanded them to use Siwak[1] (stick toothbrush) before every Salat (prayer)."
[Reported by Malik, Ahmad and An-Nasa’i. Ibn Khuzaima graded it Sahih (sound) and Al-Bukhari mentioned as a Mu'allaq (suspended -- without its chain of narrators)]

[1] It means that the use of Siwak (tooth cleaning stick from the tree or the toothbrush) with every ablution is Sunna [the way of the noble Prophet  and the Hadith reported by Muslim tells us that Siwak should be used before every prayer. It means that if anybody is going to offer prayers with ablution performed previously, even then he should use Siwak. These Ahadith prove extreme emphasis on the constant use of Siwak for the cleaning of teeth. It is Sunna (supererogatory) and not Wajib (compulsory).  


30.  Narrated Humran[2]   , the manumitted slave of 'Uthman[3] 'Uthman called for water to perform ablution. He washed palms of his hands three times, then rinsed his mouth and sniffed water in his nose and then blew it out. He then washed his face three times. Thereafter he washed his right hand up to his elbow three times[4] then the left one likewise, then he passed wet hands on his head. Then he washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then the left one likewise. He then said, "I saw Allah's Messenger performing ablution like this ablution of mine."
[Agreed upon]

[2] Humran bin Aban was caught by Khalid bin Al-Walid in a war during Abu Bakr's caliphate, and he sent him to serve 'Uthman who freed him. He is trustworthy of the 2nd grade in the reporting of Ahadith. He died in 75 H.

[3] The third Guided Caliph. He accepted Islam early and married Ruqaiya and then Umm Kulthum, daughters of the Prophet  and was therefore nicknamed Dhun-Nuirain (the possessor of the two lights, i.e. the daughters of the Prophet ). He was killed as a martyr on Friday, 18th Dhul Hijja, 35H.

[4] In this Hadith washing of face, hands and feet is stated to be done three times each, whereas in others, two times and one time washing is regarded as enough. Imam Nawawi has written the consensus of opinions that washing once is Fard (obligatory).  


31.  Narrated 'Ali[5] , regarding the description of the ablution of the Prophet    He the Prophet    wiped his head (with water) only once[6].
[Reported by Abu Da’ud, An-Nasa’i, At-Tirmidhi with a Sahih Sanad (authentic chain of narrators). At-Tirmidhi said, "It's the most sound Hadith on this subject"]

[5] The fourth Guided Caliph. He fought all the battles except Tabuk, for the Prophet ( ) had left him as in charge in Al-Madina. An evildoer called 'Abdur-Rahman bin Muljam killed him as a martyr on Friday morning 17th Ramadan 40 H. at Kufa.

[6] It means that wiping of head (doing Mash) only once is obligatory.


32.  Narrated 'Abdullah bin Zaid bin 'Aasim[7] describing the nature of ablution performance: Allah’s Messenger wiped his head from the forehead to the back of his head and then back to the forehead[8] with his (wet) hands.
[Agreed upon].
And in another version of theirs: "He began from the front of his head and took them (his wet hands) to the back of his head and then returned them to the place he had begun from."

[7] He was an Ansari belonging to Bani Mazin from An-Najar clan. He fought at Uhud and killed Musailima Al-Kadhdhab together with Wahshi on Al-Yamama Day. He was killed on the day of Al-Harrah in 63 H.

[8] This Hadith tells us that Mash (wiping) of head should be started from the front.



33.  Narrated Abdullah bin 'Amr[9] , regarding the description of the ablution: "Then he, Allah’s Messenger  wiped his head, inserted his index finger in his ears and wiped the exterior of his ears with his thumbs."[10]
[Reported by Abu Da’ud and An-Nasa’i and Ibn Khuzaima graded it Sahih (sound)]

[9] He is the son of' Amr bin Al'-Aas Al-Qurashi. He became a Muslim before his father who was older than him by 13 years. He was an Aalim (learned), memorized Ahadith and was very pious. He died in the 63 H. or 70 H.

[10] It means that ears are to be wiped internally and externally. The side close to the head is external and near the face is internal. Tirmidhi after narrating the Hadith concerning wiping of ears internally and externally, says that religious scholars follow the same practice.  


34.  Narrated Abu Huraira Allah's Messenger  said, "When one of you wakes up from his sleep, he must blow off his nose three times, for the Satan spends the night inside one's nostrils"[11]
[Agreed upon]

[11] Spending the night of Satan inside the nostrils of a man is plausible, but its actual state is better known to Allah and His Messenger. May be this is a figurative expression, because bad excretions gather in the nose and cause laziness, indolence, slackness and negligence. All these states are satanic dispositions  


35.  Narrated Abu Huraira  Allah’s Messenger said, "When one of you wakes up from his sleep, he must not put his hand in a utensil till he has washed it three times[12], for he does not know where his hand was (while he slept)."
[Agreed upon. This is Muslim's version]

[12] It means that hands should not be dipped in the ablution water container, as the word 'ablution' is present in some of the Ahadith narrated by Bukhari. Allamah Ibn Hajar, in his book Fath Al-Bari, says: Though this Hadith apparently seems to be related with the utensils of ablution but it includes all other utensils and bathing water containers. But if there is a big pool or tank of water then it is permissible to put hands in it


36.  Narrated Laqit bin Sabra Allah’s Messenger   said, "Perform a perfect Wudu (ablution), run (your fingers) through the fingers of the hands and the toes[13], and if not fasting, sniff water up well inside the nose."
[Reported by Al-Arba 'a[14], and Ibn Khuzaima graded it Sahih (sound)]
In another version of Abu Da’ud is: "If you perform ablution rinse your mouth."

[13] It means that the fingers of hands and feet should be washed completely and carefully.

[14] Abu Da’ud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i and Ibn Majah



37.  Narrated 'Uthman While performing Wudu, the Prophet  would run (his) fingers through his beard[15].
[Reported by At-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Khuzaima graded it Sahih (sound)]

[15] During the performance of ablution, combing of beard with fingers is Sunnah (supererogatory) and not Wajib (compulsory).


38.  Narrated 'Abdullah bin Zaid Two-thirds of a Mudd[16] (of water) was brought to the Prophet  (for ablution) so he began rubbing his arms.
[Reported by Ahmad, and Ibn Khuzaima graded it Sahih (sound)]

[16] In some Ahadith, a full Mudd has been mentioned. One Mudd is a little more than six hundred grams. This is the least quantity of water mentioned for ablution; otherwise it will be very difficult to perform ablution with small amount of water. Maximum limit of water has not been ordained, any amount of water may be used for ablution and bath, but water should not be wasted


39.  Narrated 'Abdullah bin Zaid   He saw the Prophet  taking some water to wipe his ears other than the water he had taken to wipe his head.
[Reported by Al-Baihaqi, who said that its Isnad (chain of narrators) is authentic, At-Tirmidhi also graded it Sahih (sound)]
And the words of the Muslim version are: "he wiped his head taking extra water from that he had taken for the washing of the hands," and this Hadith is Al-Mahfuz.



40.  Narrated Abu Huraira  I heard Allah’s Messenger  saying, "My people will come on the Day of Resurrection with bright faces, hands and feet from the traces of Wudu (ablution). If any of you can lengthen his brightness[17], let him do so."
[Agreed upon and this is Muslim's version]

[17] It may have more than one meaning. It may mean washing of limbs more than the minimum limits, for example, washing of hands up to shoulders and washing of feet up to knees; Abu Huraira assumes this meaning. It may also mean that every limb should be washed three times, instead of washing it for one time -- the minimum limit for washing. It may also mean to perform ablution again and again or to remain with ablution all the time.


41.  Narrated 'Aisha  Allah's Messenger   loved to begin with the right while putting on his shoes, combing his hair, in his purification and in all his affairs[18].
[Agreed upon]

[18] This mode of action of the noble Prophet  was for noble actions, for other actions like coming out of mosque and entering a toilet etc., one should put his left feet first.




42.  Narrated Abu Huraira  Allah’s Messenger  said, "When you perform ablution, begin with your right limbs."
[Reported by Al-Arba'a[19] and graded Sahih (sound) by Ibn Khuzaima]

[19] Abu Da’ud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i and Ibn Majah


43.  Narrated Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba[20] The Prophet  performed ablution and passed wet hands on his forelock, over the turban and over the two leather socks[21].
[Reported by Muslim]

[20] Abu Abdullah or Abu Iesa, Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba bin Mas'ud Ath-Thaqafi was a prominent Sahabi. He became a Muslim in the year of the Khandaq (trench) and migrated. He first participated in Al-Hudaibiya. He died in 50 H. in Kufa

[21] This Hadith makes it clear that wiping over turban (cap) is also correct. There are two forms of it. First, to wipe partly on the turban and partly on the head. There is no difference of opinion on this form of action. Secondly, to wipe only on turban. There is a difference of opinion on this, but this is also proved by Sahih Hadith narrated by Tirmidhi


44.  Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah[22] regarding the Hajj (pilgrimage) of the Prophet  He  said, "Begin with what Allah had begun with."[23]
[Reported by An- Nasa’i in this commanding version while Muslim has reported it in the reporting[24] one]

[22] Jabir was an Ansari from Sulami clan and he was nicknamed Abu 'Abdullah. He was among the eminent Sahaba. He fought at Badr though some said that he did not witness neither Badr nor Uhud, but took part in those battles that followed them. He was also at Siffin. He was among the memorizers of many Ahadith. He became blind towards the end of his life, and died in 74 H at the age of 94 years. It is reported that he was the last Sahabi to die at Al-Madina.

[23] Noble Quran has mentioned As-Safa in the first place between As-Safa and Al-Marwa. The Noble Prophet started    Sa'i (running between the Safa and Marwa during Hajj and 'Umrah) from the Safa side, so start ablution in the same manner, starting from washing of the face, then hands up to elbows; then wipe the head and wash the feet.

[24] In this Hadith the word (bada) has been used in Arabic text, in the sense of giving information instead of order


45.  Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah The Prophet  used to run the water down his elbows while performing ablution.
[Reported by Ad-Daraqutni with a weak chain of narrators]


46.  Narrated Abu Huraira Allah's Messenger said, "There is no Wudu (ablution) for one who does not mention Allah's Name upon it[25]."
[Reported by Ahmad, Abu Da'ud and Ibn Majah with a weak chain of narrators].
At-Tirmidhi reported something similar to the above from Sa'id bin Zaid[26], and Abu Sa'id like this, and Ahmad said that nothing is authenticated in it]

[25] In this regard, there exist contradictory Ahadith, which indicate opposing views about saying (Bismillah) before performing ablution. Correct answer of this issue is to say Bismillah is Sunna.

[26]He is Sa'id bin Zaid bin 'Amr Al-Qurashi, nicknamed Abu Al-A'war and is one of the ten who were promised Paradise. He accepted Islam very early and was married to Fatima, the sister of 'Umar, and they were both instrumental to 'Umar becoming a Muslim. He fought all the battles except Badr, because he was away looking for the caravan. He died in 51 H. and was buried at Al-Baqi'.


47.  Narrated Talha bin Musarrif[27]  quoting his father on the authority of his grandfather[28]: "I saw Allah's Messenger  rinsing his mouth and sniffing up and blowing his nose with separate scoops[29] of water."
[Reported by Abi Da'ud with a weak chain of narrators].

[27]He is Abu Muhammad or Abu 'Abdullah Talha bin Musarrif. He was a reliable Tabi'i  of the 5th grade. He was a righteous reciter of the Quran, and died in 112 H. His father Musarrif is unknown and that has made this Hadith Da'if

[28] He is called Ka'b bin 'Amr or Amr bin Ka'b bin Juhdub Al-Yami -- descending from a Yamani tribe called Yam of Hamadan. Ibn 'Abdul-Bar said he (Ka'b) settled in Kufa and is a Sahabi.

[29] It means that the noble Prophet  used to take water separately for cleaning the nose and rinsing the mouth. According to the author, this Hadith is Da'if (weak). According to Al-Bukhari and Muslim, the noble Prophet  used a single handful of water for cleaning the nose and rinsing the mouth. Imam Nawawi has stated its five forms and regarded sound the one, Al-Bukhari and Muslim has stated.



48.  Narrated 'Ali , regarding performance of Wudu (ablution): The Prophet , rinsed his mouth and sniffed and blew (his nose) with water three times. He sniffed up and blew his nose with the same hand from which he took the water.
[Reported by Abu Da’ud and An-Nasa'i]


49.  Narrated 'Abdullah bin Zaid regarding Wudu (ablution): The Prophet put his hand (in the utensil) rinsed (his mouth) and sniffed up and blew (his nose) from one scoop (of water). He did that three times.
[Agreed upon].





50.  Narrated Anas The Prophet  saw a man on whose foot appeared a portion like the size of a nail, which was not touched by water. He then said, "Go back and perform your Wudu (ablution) properly[30]."
[Reported by Abu Da’ud and An-Nasa’i].

[30] This Hadith makes it clear that washing of the whole foot is obligatory. In a Hadith recorded by Muslim, it is stated that it is Fire for that part of the foot, which is dry. In this Hadith, there is repudiation for those who consider the Mash (wiping) of foot as proper and acceptable; or those who consider the Mash (wiping) and Ghusl (washing) both compulsory; or those who consider Mash and Ghusl both permissible.


51.  Narrated Anas   Allah's Messenger used only one Mudd[31] of water for ablution and one Sa'[32] to five Mudd of water for his bath.
[Agreed upon].

[31] One Mudd is equal to six hundred grams approx., and one Sa' is equal to a little more than two and a half kilograms, and this is the least quantity to be used. It means that one should be very careful in the use of water.

[32] One Sa ' is equivalent to 4 Mudd or 2660 grams



52.  Narrated Umar[33] 'Allah’s Messenger  said, "If one after performing ablution completely recites the following supplication:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لا إِلَـهَ إِلاّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَريـكَ لَـهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمّـداً عَبْـدُهُ وَرَسـولُـه

(Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allau wahdahu la sharika lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasuluhu)  'I testify that there is no one worthy of worship but Allah, He is Alone and has no partner and Muhammad is His slave and Messenger,' all the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him and he may enter through any gate he wishes."
Reported by Muslim and At-Tirmidhi who added the following words to the supplication:


اللّهُـمَّ اجْعَلنـي مِنَ التَّـوّابينَ وَاجْعَـلْني مِنَ المتَطَهّـرين

(Allahumma aj 'alni minAt-tawwabina waj'alni minAl-mutatahhirina) "Oh Allah! Include me among those who repent and those who keep themselves pure"

[33] The second Guided Caliph who was unique throughout history. He filled the world with wisdom, justice and conquests. He was Qurash's ambassador during the Jahiliya (ignorance) period. He accepted Islam in Dhul Hijja, the 6th year of the Prophet-hood and fought all the battles. He made conquests in Iraq, Persia, Sham, Egypt and other places. He was killed by Abu Lu'lu'a, a slave of Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba and died as a martyr on 1st Muharram 24H.  





Source: A b d u r r a h m a n.org