Ablution (Wudu') ||| Benefits in Hadith ||| SAHIH BUKHARI

Introduction:

Whether you are already a Muslim, thinking of converting to Islam or just interested in finding out more about this fascinating faith you may have heard of something that is a very important part of the religion – ablution. Islam requires all of its followers to perform a purity ritual which involves a special way of washing to ensure that you are both physically and spiritually clean. This article looks to define ablution and help you to understand the meaning behind it and to consider how vital ablution is to the meaning of being Muslim.

What is the meaning of ablution?

The general ablution definition is of washing oneself and keeping oneself hygienic. In Islam ablution takes on a spiritual dimension too as it is the ritual purification that followers are required to perform before saying formal prayers – known as ‘Salat’. Ablution usually refers to washing with water but there are also dry ablutions too if water is not available or if a Muslim suffers from a skin condition such as eczema that may be exacerbated by the use of water. Sunni and Shia Muslims both interpret ablution differently and have slightly different definitions of the ritual itself and when it is needed. There are a number of variations to the practice depending on which Islamic scholars are followed. For a full definition it is always a good idea to speak to your Imam or religious leader.

Narrated by Abu Huraira (Raji.)

Allah's Apostle said, "The prayer of a person who does ,
Hadath (passes, urine, stool or wind) is not accepted till 
he performs (repeats) the ablution." 

A person from Hadaramout asked Abu Huraira (Raji.), 

"What is 'Hadath'?" 

Abu Huraira (Raji.) replied, 

" 'Hadath' means the passing of wind from the anus."

Narrated by Nu'am Al-Mujmir (Raji.)

Once I went up the roof of the mosque, 

along with Abu Huraira (Raji.). 

He perform ablution and said, 

"I heard the Prophet ﷺ saying, 

"On the Day of Resurrection, my followers will be called 

"Al-Ghurr-ul-Muhajjalun" 

from the trace of ablution and whoever can 

increase the area of his radiance should do so 

(i.e. by performing ablution regularly).' "

Narrated by 'Abbas bin Tamim (Raji.)

My uncle asked Allah's Apostle ﷺ about a person 

who imagined to have passed wind during the prayer. 

Allah's Apostle ﷺ replied: 

"He should not leave his prayers unless he hears sound or smells something."

Narrated by Kuraib(Raji.)

Ibn 'Abbas (Raji.) said, 

"The Prophet ﷺ slept till he snored and then prayed 

(or probably lay till his ﷺ breath sounds were heard and then got up and prayed).

" Ibn 'Abbas (Raji.) added: "I stayed overnight in the house of my aunt, Maimuna(Raji.), 

the Prophet ﷺ slept for a part of the night, 

(See Fateh-al-Bari page 249, Vol. 1), 

and late in the night, 

he ﷺ got up and performed ablution from a hanging water skin, 

a light (perfect) ablution and stood up for the prayer. 

I, too, performed a similar ablution, 

then I went and stood on his left. 

He ﷺ drew me to his ﷺ right and 

prayed as much as Allah wished, 

and again lay and slept till his ﷺ breath sounds were heard. 

Later on the Mua'dhdhin (callmaker for the prayer) 

came to him ﷺ 

and informed him ﷺ that it was time for Prayer. 

The Prophet ﷺ went with him for the prayer without performing a new ablution." 

Sufyan (Raji.) said to 'Amr (Raji.) that some people said, 

"The eyes of Allah's Apostle ﷺ sleep 

but his ﷺ heart does not sleep." 

'Amr (Raji.) replied, 

"I heard 'Ubaid bin 'Umar (Raji.) saying that 

the dreams of Prophets ﷺ were Divine Inspiration, 

and then he ﷺ recited the verse: 

'I (Abraham) see in a dream, (O my son) that 

I offer you in sacrifice (to Allah)." 

(37.102) (See Hadith No. 183)

SAHIH BUKHARI,Volume 1, 

Book 4, Hadith Number 137-140