Hadith on Washing Hands Upon Waking Up
Narration from Abu Hurairah (RA):The Prophet ﷺ said: “When any of you wakes up from sleep, he should pour water over his hands three times before putting them into a vessel, because he does not know where his hands spent the night.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 162, Sahih Muslim: 278)Key Lessons:
✔ 1. Washing Hands After Sleep is Essential – Since one may unknowingly touch various parts of the body while sleeping, washing hands three times before using them in wudu or touching food is necessary.Hadith on Cleaning the Nose During Wudu
Narration from Abu Hurairah (RA), reported by Hammam ibn Munabbih:The Prophet ﷺ said: “When one of you performs wudu, he should take water into his nostrils and then blow it out.”
(Sahih Muslim: 237)Narration from ‘Asim ibn Laqit ibn Sabrah, from his father:
He said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Tell me about wudu.’ The Prophet ﷺ said: “Perform wudu thoroughly and clean your nostrils well, unless you are fasting.”
(Narrated by Al-Nasa’i and Al-Tirmidhi; authenticated by Ibn Khuzaymah) References: Musnad Ahmad: 4/33, Abu Dawood: 142, Al-Tirmidhi: 788 (classified as Hasan Sahih), Al-Nasa’i: 1/66, Ibn Majah: 407, Al-Hakim: 1/148-149 (authenticated by Al-Dhahabi).Key Lessons:
✔ 1. Completing Wudu Properly – Every part of the body must be washed correctly in wudu.✔ 2. Cleaning the Nose is Sunnah – It is recommended to rinse the nose thoroughly, except while fasting, to prevent water from entering the throat.
✔ 3. Finger Interlacing and Beard Cleaning – Washing between the fingers and running fingers through the beard is part of the complete wudu.
Hadith on the Proper Method of Wudu
Narration from Ibn ‘Abbas (RA):“The Prophet ﷺ performed wudu by washing each limb once.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 157)Narration from ‘Uthman (RA):
“The Prophet ﷺ used to pass his fingers through his beard while performing wudu.”
(Sunan Al-Tirmidhi; classified as Hasan Sahih) References: Al-Tirmidhi: 31, Ibn Majah: 430, Ibn Khuzaymah: 151-152, Ibn Hibban: 153, Al-Daraqutni: 1/91, Al-Hakim: 1/148-149 (authenticated by Al-Dhahabi).Narration from Abu Umamah (RA):
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The ears are part of the head.” He used to wipe his head and ears during wudu.
(Ibn Majah; authenticated by scholars)Key Lessons:
✔ 1. Wudu Can Be Performed Once for Each Limb – While washing three times is recommended, washing once is also valid.✔ 2. Wiping Over the Head and Ears – The ears are considered part of the head, so wiping them during wudu is essential.
✔ 3. Wiping Over Socks and Turban – The Prophet ﷺ wiped over his turban and leather socks in wudu, as reported by Al-Mughirah ibn Shu‘bah (RA) in Sahih Muslim: 272.
Hadith on the Importance of Proper Wudu
Narration from Abu Hurairah (RA):He performed wudu by washing his face, then thoroughly washed his arms up to the elbows, wiped his head, and washed his feet up to the ankles. Then he said: “This is how I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performing wudu for prayer.” He also mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ said: “On the Day of Judgment, you will be recognized by the glow of your limbs due to perfect wudu, so whoever can increase his glow should do so.”
(Sahih Bukhari: 136, Sahih Muslim: 246)Key Lessons:
✔ 1. Proper Wudu Enhances One’s Glow on the Day of Judgment – The more thoroughly one performs wudu, the brighter their limbs will shine on the Day of Resurrection.✔ 2. Ensuring Every Limb is Washed Properly – Wudu should be done with care, ensuring no part remains dry.
✔ 3. Completing Wudu is a Source of Light and Distinction – Those who perform wudu properly will have radiant faces and limbs in the Hereafter.
Hadith on Using the Right Side First in Wudu
Narration from Aisha (RA):“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ loved to start with the right side when purifying himself, combing his hair, and putting on his shoes.”
(Agreed upon, reported by Bukhari and Muslim)Key Lessons:
✔ 1. Using the Right Side First is Sunnah – Whether in wudu, dressing, or other acts, the Prophet ﷺ preferred to begin with the right side.✔ 2. Following the Sunnah Brings Blessings – Observing this practice brings barakah and increases mindfulness of the Prophet’s teachings.
[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.]