Hadith Text & Context

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The prayer of a person who does Hadath (passes urine, stool or wind) is not accepted till he performs the ablution." A person from Hadaramout asked Abu Huraira, "What is 'Hadath'?" Abu Huraira replied, " 'Hadath' means the passing of wind."

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 135 | Book: Ablutions (Wudu')

Meaning of Hadath

The term "Hadath" refers to ritual impurity that invalidates one's state of purity (wudu'). It is of two types: Hadath Akbar (major impurity requiring ghusl) and Hadath Asghar (minor impurity requiring wudu'). This hadith specifically addresses Hadath Asghar.

The clarification by Abu Huraira (RA) that Hadath includes "the passing of wind" demonstrates that even the slightest emission from the private parts breaks one's wudu', emphasizing the comprehensive nature of ritual purity requirements.

Legal Rulings Derived

This hadith establishes that prayer without wudu' while in a state of Hadath is invalid and unacceptable to Allah. The condition of purity is fundamental to the validity of salah.

Scholars unanimously agree that passing wind, urine, or stool nullifies wudu' based on this clear textual evidence. The ruling applies regardless of the quantity emitted.

The exchange with the person from Hadaramout shows the Companions' meticulous approach to understanding religious texts and ensuring proper implementation of Islamic rulings.

Spiritual Significance

This teaching emphasizes the importance of physical and spiritual cleanliness when standing before Allah in prayer. Purity is both an outward condition and an inward state of reverence.

The requirement to renew wudu' after Hadath serves as a constant reminder of our human nature and the need for continuous spiritual renewal when approaching the Divine.