A person asked `Abdullah bin Zaid who was the grandfather of `Amr bin Yahya, "Can you show me
how Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to perform ablution?" `Abdullah bin Zaid replied in the affirmative and
asked for water. He poured it on his hands and washed them twice, then he rinsed his mouth thrice and
washed his nose with water thrice by putting water in it and blowing it out. He washed his face thrice
and after that he washed his forearms up to the elbows twice and then passed his wet hands over his
head from its front to its back and vice versa (beginning from the front and taking them to the back of
his head up to the nape of the neck and then brought them to the front again from where he had
started) and washed his feet (up to the ankles).
Narrated by Narrated Yahya Al-Mazini:
Context
In this narration, Abdullah bin Zaid demonstrates how the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) performed ablution. He meticulously describes each step, from washing the hands and mouth to rinsing the nose and washing the face and arms. This detailed account serves as a guide for Muslims on the proper way to perform wudu, ensuring they fulfill this important ritual correctly.
Modern Application
Muslims today often refer to such hadiths to learn the correct method of performing wudu. This practice not only prepares them for prayer but also instills a sense of discipline and mindfulness in their daily routines.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Purification (Wudu/Taharah) because it provides a comprehensive description of the steps involved in performing ablution as practiced by the Prophet.
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.
O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.
O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] at three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you - some of you, among others. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses; and Allah is Knowing and Wise.
And complete the Hajj and 'umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs 'umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] - then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.