I saw `Uthman performing ablution; he washed his hands thrice, rinsed his mouth and then washed his
nose, by putting water in it and then blowing it out, and washed his face thrice, and then washed his
right forearm up to the elbow thrice, and then the left-forearm up to the elbow thrice, then smeared his
head with water, washed his right foot thrice, and then his left foot thrice and said, "I saw Allah's
Apostle performing ablution similar to my present ablution, and then he said, 'Whoever performs
ablution like my present ablution and then offers two rak`at in which he does not think of worldly
things, all his previous sins will be forgiven."
Narrated by Narrated Humran:
Context
In this narration, `Uthman describes the detailed process of ablution (wudu) as performed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Prophet emphasized the importance of performing wudu correctly and stated that those who do so and pray two rak'ahs without distraction will have their previous sins forgiven. This highlights the significance of purification before prayer.
Modern Application
In daily life, Muslims often perform wudu before prayers, seeing it as a way to prepare spiritually and physically. This practice fosters mindfulness and intentionality in their worship, encouraging a deeper connection with their faith.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Purification (Wudu/Taharah) because it details the proper method of performing wudu and connects it to the forgiveness of sins.
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.
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.
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.