"Can you show me how the Messenger of Allah used to perform ablution?" 'Abdullah bin Zaid said: "Yes," So he called for water, poured it over his hands and washed his hands twice. Then he raised his mouth and sniffed water up into his nostrils three times. Then he washed his face three times and his arms up to his elbows twice. Then he wiped his head with his hands, from front to back. He started at the front of his head, then went with them to the nape of his neck, then he brought them back, returning them to the place he started, then he washed his feet."
Narrated by 'Amr bin Yahya narrated that his father said to 'Abdullah bin Zaid who was the grandfather of 'Amr bin Yahya:
Context
This hadith details the method of performing ablution as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Abdullah bin Zaid describes how the Prophet ﷺ washed his hands, face, and arms, and wiped his head and feet. This narration serves as a guide for Muslims on the proper way to perform Wudu, emphasizing cleanliness and preparation for prayer.
Modern Application
When performing Wudu, we can follow the steps outlined in this hadith to ensure we are purifying ourselves properly before prayer. This practice not only fulfills a religious obligation but also instills a sense of mindfulness and discipline in our daily routines.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prophetic Conduct and Purification (Wudu/Taharah) because it provides a clear example of the Prophet's ﷺ method of performing ablution, which is essential for maintaining purity before prayer.
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.
This hadith is #168 from Sunan Ibn Majah, in the Book of The Book of Purification and its Sunnah. It is graded Sahih and narrated by 'Amr bin Yahya narrated that his father said to 'Abdullah bin Zaid who was the grandfather of 'Amr bin Yahya:.