Ibn Majah

Commentary:

➊
One effective method of teaching is to demonstrate by doing the action.
Teachers should benefit from this method when explaining practical issues.

➋ (هٰذَا الْوُضُوء)
This is ablution (wudu); its meaning is that this is the correct method of performing ablution.

➌
What is meant by “adding” is to wash any limb more than three times.

➍
Another form of “adding” is to be wasteful in the use of water, so this too should be avoided.

Benefits and Issues:
One aspect of the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) method of teaching and training was practical demonstration, and the benefit a student gains from this is far greater than from mere verbal instruction. This hadith is authentic. Only one phrase, «أونقص» “whoever did less,” is irregular (shaadh). (Shaykh al-Albani rahimahullah) That is, it is an error on the part of one narrator, because it is permissible to wash the limbs of ablution (wudu) once or twice each. However, if here the meaning of «نقص» is taken to be that whoever does not wash the limbs of ablution completely or leaves them as they are, then he has committed injustice, then in this way its meaning remains consistent with other narrations. [عون المعبود]

140. Commentary: Washing three times removes dirt and filth, provided that it is washed thoroughly. Therefore, washing more than this will be of no benefit; rather, it will result in wastage of water. One will develop a habit of extravagance, and the temperament will become obsessive. However, if any of the limbs of ablution (wudu) are excessively dusty or have impurity or filth on them, then it is necessary that this be removed and washed well before beginning ablution, so that after starting ablution, a person does not in any way become subject to the aforementioned warning.

142. Commentary: By "isbagh" is meant that the limbs should be washed thoroughly and with care, so that no limb or any part of it remains dry. Sometimes, even in the face of hardship and reluctance, taking care to perform complete ablution (wudu) is a virtuous act, as is evident from the statement of the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam: "Shall I not tell you of an action by which Allah wipes away sins and raises ranks?" The Companions radi Allahu anhum said, "O Messenger of Allah, why not?" He said: «إسباغ الوضوء علی المکارہ» "Performing ablution (wudu) completely and thoroughly despite hardship and reluctance." See: [صحیح مسلم ، الطھارة ، حدیث : 251]

Lexical Explanation:
«اَلسَّبَّاحَتَيْنِ» is being used as an attribute of «إِصْبَعَيْهِ». Its singular is «اَلسَّبَّاحَة». «اَلسَّبَّاحَة» refers to the finger that is between the thumb and the middle finger. Since this finger is used to point during the recitation of tasbih, it is called «سَبَّاحَة». «سَبَّاحَتَيٰنِ» is its dual form, meaning the index fingers of both hands.
«اَلْإِبْهَامِ» is the first among the five fingers, the most beneficial, and closest to the «رُسْغ» (wrist joint), that is, the thumb.
By «ظَاهِرِ أُذُنَيْهِ» is meant the upper part of both ears, i.e., the back and outer side of the ears.

Benefits and Issues:
➊ This hadith is a very clear proof that the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam wiped over both the outer and inner parts of the ears.
➋ The outer part refers to that part of the ear which is connected to the head, and the inner part is that which faces the mouth, i.e., the inner side.
➌ Imam Tirmidhi rahimahullah, after narrating the hadith about wiping over both the outer and inner parts of the ears, has stated that the scholars act upon this.

Hadith Narrator:
SR Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amr radi Allahu anhu ER was a Sahmi Qurayshi. His lineage joins with that of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam at Ka‘b bin Lu’ayy. He accepted Islam before his father. He was only thirteen years younger than his respected father. He was a great scholar, a memorizer of hadith, and a devout worshipper. Numerous Prophetic traditions are narrated from him. He used to write down the sayings of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. He passed away in 63 or 70 Hijri. There are different opinions regarding his burial: whether he was buried in Makkah Mukarramah, Ta’if, or Egypt.