Chapter: Wudu (Ablution)
Performing Wudu properly despite dislike and the related instructions
Discomfort can be due to severe cold or physical pain. That despite severe cold or physical pain, (performing ablution properly).
Performing ablution properly means completing it and thoroughly applying water to all limbs, and washing the limbs in a quantity more than the obligatory amount, such as washing the legs up to the calves instead of just up to the ankles.
① It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
ألا أدلكم على ما يمحو الله به الخطايا ويرفع به الدرجات؟
“Shall I not tell you about deeds by which Allah forgives sins and raises ranks?”
Qadi Iyad explains: The wiping out of sins means the forgiveness of sins. And he said: It is also possible that they will be erased from the Preserved Tablet (in which deeds are recorded), and this will be evidence of their forgiveness.
Raising ranks means the elevation of stations and ranks in Paradise.
The Companions of the Prophet (SAW) asked: O Messenger of Allah! Why is that? He (SAW) said:
إسباغ الوضوء على المكاره، وكثرة الخطا إلى المساجد، وانتظار الصلاة بعد الصلاة، فذلكم الرباط، فذلكم الرباط، فذلكم الرباط
“Performing ablution properly despite discomfort, walking towards the mosque, and waiting for the next prayer after the prayer, this is Ribat, this is Ribat, so this is Ribat.”
This is due to the distance of the house from the mosque and the frequent repetition.
Al-Ribat: Binding oneself to a beloved act, as if one has committed oneself to that obedience. It is also possible that this is one of the types of Ribat.
Cleaning between the fingers during Wudu
① Sayyiduna Laqit bin Sabrah رضي الله عنه narrates, I asked:
“O Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم! Tell me about Wudu.”
The Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
أسبغ الوضوء، وخلل بين الأصابع، وبالغ فى الاستنشاق إلا أن تكون صائما
“Perform Wudu well, clean between the fingers, and except during fasting, pour water into the nose to the extent of exaggeration.”
Reciting the Kalimah Shahadah after Wudu
① Sayyiduna Umar ibn Khattab رضي الله عنه states that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said: Whoever performs ablution properly and then recites:
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، وأشهد أن محمدا عبده ورسوله
“I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, He is One, He has no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم is His servant and His Messenger.”
Then the eight gates of Paradise are opened for him, and he may enter through whichever he wishes.
Imam Tirmidhi رحمه الله added these words:
اللهم اجعلني من التوابين واجعلني من المتطهرين
“O Allah! Make me among those who repent and those who purify themselves.”
Instructions Regarding the Protection of Ablution
① Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, states that I have received this hadith that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
استقيموا ولن تحصوا، واعملوا إن خير أعمالكم الصلاة، ولا يحافظ على الوضوء إلا مؤمن
“Maintain a straight path, stand firm on the truth, and you will never be able to maintain a completely straight path, and act, know that among your good deeds, prayer is the best, and only a believer maintains the purity of ablution.”
