Fatwa by: Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen (may Allah preserve him)
Question:
What is the ruling on washing the face and hands with soap during wudu (ablution)?
Answer:
Washing the face and hands with soap during wudu is not prescribed. It is merely an unnecessary act of excess. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
" Destroyed are those who go to extremes, destroyed are those who go to extremes. "
[Narrated by Muslim in the Book of Knowledge]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) repeated this statement three times. However, if there is dirt or an unpleasant odor on the hands that cannot be removed without the use of soap or similar substances, then there is no harm in using it. In general, using soap during wudu in normal conditions is considered an unnecessary act of excess and an innovation (bid'ah). Therefore, it should not be used.
Question:
What is the ruling on washing the face and hands with soap during wudu (ablution)?
Answer:
Washing the face and hands with soap during wudu is not prescribed. It is merely an unnecessary act of excess. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
" Destroyed are those who go to extremes, destroyed are those who go to extremes. "
[Narrated by Muslim in the Book of Knowledge]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) repeated this statement three times. However, if there is dirt or an unpleasant odor on the hands that cannot be removed without the use of soap or similar substances, then there is no harm in using it. In general, using soap during wudu in normal conditions is considered an unnecessary act of excess and an innovation (bid'ah). Therefore, it should not be used.
