Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub, Jabir bin Abdullah and Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with them) relate that when this verse, 'In it are men who love to purify themselves, and Allah loves those who purify themselves' [Surah al-Tawbah: 108], was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O company of the Ansar, Allah has praised you highly concerning your purification. So what is this purification of yours?" They said: O Messenger of Allah, we perform ablution for prayer and take a ritual bath (ghusl) after janabah. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Is there anything else besides that?" They said: No, except that when one of us comes out from relieving himself, he prefers to clean himself with water. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "That is it, so hold fast to it."
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الطهارة / 513