I placed (the vessel of) water for the Prophet (May peace be upon him) to wash himself because of sexual intercourse. He lowered down the vessel and poured water on his right hand. He then washed it twice or thrice. He then poured water over his private parts and washed them with his left hand. Then he put it on the ground and wiped it. He then rinsed his mouth and snuffed up water, and washed his face and hands. He then poured water over his head and body. Then he moved aside and washed his feet. I handed him a garment, but he began to shake he moved aside and washed his feet. I handed him a garment, but he began to shake off water from his body. I mentioned it to Ibrahim. He said that they (companions) did not think there was any harm in using the garment (to wipe the water), but they disliked its use as a habit.
Abu Dawud said: Musaddad said: I asked ‘Abd Allah b. Dawud whether they (the companions) disliked to make it a habit. He replied: it (the tradition) goes in a similar way and I found it in a similar way in this book of mine.
Narrated by Maimunah reported:
Context
Maimunah recounts how she prepared water for the Prophet (ﷺ) to perform ghusl after sexual intercourse. The Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated a specific method of purification, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and proper procedure in maintaining spiritual and physical hygiene. This hadith illustrates the Prophet's (ﷺ) attention to detail in matters of purification.
Modern Application
When performing wudu or ghusl today, individuals can follow the Prophet's (ﷺ) example of thoroughness and care. This practice not only fulfills religious obligations but also promotes personal hygiene and mindfulness.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Purification (Wudu/Taharah) because it details the method of purification practiced by the Prophet (ﷺ), highlighting the significance of cleanliness in Islam.
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.