Performing Ablution (Wudu) with One Mudd of Water

Hadith on the Amount of Water Used for Wudu and Ghusl​

Narration from Anas (RA):
“The Prophet ﷺ used to perform ablution (wudu) with one mudd of water and would perform ghusl (ritual bath) with one sa‘ up to five mudds of water.”
(Narrated by Muslim; agreed upon)
References: Sahih Bukhari: 201, Sahih Muslim: 325

Key Lessons:​

✔ 1. Using a Moderate Amount of Water – It is recommended to use an appropriate quantity of water for wudu and ghusl, just as the Prophet ﷺ performed wudu with one mudd and ghusl with one sa‘.
✔ 2. Understanding Water Measurements – One sa‘ is equivalent to approximately 2.5 kilograms, and four mudds make up one sa‘.
✔ 3. Conservation of Water – Using minimal water wisely is a sign of intelligence and wisdom.

Providing Water for Wudu​

Narration from Al-Mughirah ibn Shu‘bah (RA):
“It is recorded in both Sahih Bukhari and Muslim that Al-Mughirah ibn Shu‘bah poured water for the Prophet ﷺ while he performed wudu.”

Key Lessons:​

✔ 1. Assisting Others in Wudu – This narration highlights the virtue of helping a noble personality or anyone else in performing wudu.
✔ 2. Good Manners and Respect – Assisting others in religious acts is a sign of good character and etiquette.

The Virtue of a Proper Wudu​

Narration from ‘Umar (RA):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs wudu and does it properly, then recites:

‘أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ’

(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, with no partner, and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger), the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him, and he may enter through whichever one he wishes.”
(Narrated by Muslim)

Key Lessons:​

✔ 1. Importance of Proper Wudu – One should begin wudu by saying ‘Bismillah’, wash each limb properly, and recite the supplication afterward.
✔ 2. Wudu as a Key to Jannah – A well-performed wudu opens all eight gates of Paradise.

Wudu Performed Once for Each Limb​

Narration from Ibn ‘Abbas (RA):
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed wudu by washing each limb once and sprinkled water lightly.”
(Narrated by Al-Darimi, with an authentic chain of narrators)

[This content is taken from the book Diya’ al-Islam fi Sharh al-Ilmam bi Ahadith al-Ahkam by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.]