I placed water near the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to take a bath because of sexual intercourse. He washed the palms of his bands twice or thrice and then put his hand In the basin and poured water over his private parts and washed them with his left hand. He then struck his hand against the earth and rubbed it with force and then performed ablution for the prayer and then poured three handfuls of water on his head and then washed his whole body after which he moved aside from that place and washed his feet, and then I brought a towel (so that he may wipe his body). but he returned it.
Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas reported it on the authority of Maimuna, his mother's sister, that she said:
Context
In this hadith, Maimuna describes the process of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ purification after sexual intercourse. She details how he washed his hands multiple times, cleaned his private parts, performed ablution, and then bathed his entire body. This meticulous account emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and proper rituals in Islam, particularly before prayer.
Modern Application
In today's context, this hadith highlights the significance of personal hygiene and preparation for prayer. Many Muslims ensure they are in a state of purity before performing their daily prayers, reflecting the Prophet's ﷺ example in maintaining cleanliness.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Conduct and Purification (Wudu/Taharah) because it illustrates the specific actions taken by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in maintaining cleanliness and performing ablution.
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 they ask you about menstruation. Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."
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.
This hadith is #627 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Menstruation. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Ibn 'Abbas reported it on the authority of Maimuna, his mother's sister, that she said:.