Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If anyone of you performs ablution he should put water in his nose and then blow it out and whoever cleans his private parts with stones should do so with odd numbers. And whoever wakes up from his sleep should wash his hands before putting them in the water for ablution, because nobody knows where his hands were during sleep."

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 162

Commentary on Nasal Cleaning

The command to put water in the nose and blow it out (istinshāq and istinthār) is an essential component of the ritual purification. This action cleanses the nostrils from impurities and dust, and serves as a means of following the Sunnah precisely. Scholars emphasize that this should be done vigorously with the right hand for istinshāq (sniffing water) and the left for istinthār (expelling it).

Cleansing with Stones (Istijmār)

The instruction to use odd numbers of stones for cleansing after relieving oneself ensures thorough purification. Odd numbers (three, five, etc.) are recommended as they are more effective in achieving cleanliness and are in accordance with prophetic practice. This method is permissible when water is unavailable, but water remains superior for purification.

Washing Hands Upon Waking

This precautionary measure prevents contaminating the ablution water with unseen impurities that may have been touched during sleep. Scholars explain that during sleep, one's hands might contact impure areas of the body unknowingly. Washing them three times before dipping into the water vessel is thus obligatory to maintain the purity of both the water and the ablution.

Legal Rulings (Ahkām)

The nasal cleaning is wajib (obligatory) according to the majority of scholars, while the Hanafis consider it sunnah. Using odd stones for istijmār is sunnah mu'akkadah (emphasized tradition). Washing hands before ablution after sleep is obligatory to avoid nullifying the purification if impurities are present.

Wisdom and Benefits

These injunctions combine spiritual purification with physical hygiene. Cleaning the nose protects against respiratory ailments, odd-numbered stones ensure completeness, and pre-ablution hand washing prevents disease transmission. Together, they demonstrate Islam's comprehensive approach to cleanliness as half of faith.