Hadith Text & Context

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw some people performing ablution while their heels were dry. He then said: "Woe to the heels because of Hell. Perform the ablution in full."

This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 97 highlights the importance of complete purification in Islamic ritual practice.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith demonstrates the Prophet's meticulous attention to proper wudu performance. The dry heels indicate incomplete washing of feet during ablution, which invalidates the entire purification.

The severe warning "Woe to the heels because of Hell" emphasizes the gravity of neglecting religious obligations. Scholars explain this as either a literal warning for those who persistently neglect proper ablution, or a metaphorical emphasis on the importance of completeness in worship.

The command "Perform the ablution in full" establishes the obligation of thoroughness (ithmam) in ritual purification, covering all required parts without omission.

Legal Rulings Derived

This hadith proves that washing the feet completely during wudu is obligatory (fard), including the heels and all surfaces.

Ablution remains invalid if any obligatory part is left dry or unwashed, requiring repetition for valid prayer.

The narration establishes the principle of completeness in all acts of worship, not merely performing the minimum requirements.

Spiritual Significance

The hadith teaches that outward purification reflects inward spiritual state. Neglecting physical purity may indicate spiritual negligence.

It emphasizes that Allah deserves our best efforts in worship, not merely the minimum required for validity.

The Prophet's immediate correction demonstrates his role as teacher and guide, concerned for his community's salvation.