My father saw `Amr bin Abi Hasan asking `Abdullah bin Zaid about the ablution of the Prophet. `Abdullah bin Zaid asked for earthenware pot containing water and in front of them performed ablution like that of the Prophet (ﷺ) . He poured water from the pot over his hand and washed his hands thrice and then he put his hands in the pot and rinsed his mouth and washed his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out with three handfuls of water. Again he put his hand in the water and washed his face thrice and washed his forearms up to the elbows twice; and then put his hands in the water and then passed them over his head by bringing them to the front and then to the rear of the head once, and then he washed his feet up to the ankles.
Ablutions (Wudu')
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 186
Narration Analysis
This blessed narration from Abdullah bin Zaid demonstrates the practical teaching of the Prophet's ablution method. The companion's request for an earthenware pot and his performance before witnesses ensures authentic transmission of the Sunnah.
Step-by-Step Commentary
Washing Hands: Beginning with washing hands three times purifies the instruments of ablution and removes impurities.
Mouth & Nose: Rinsing the mouth and sniffing water into the nostrils then expelling it cleanses the passages through which blessings enter the body.
Face Washing: Washing the face three times covers from hairline to chin and ear to ear, fulfilling the Quranic command "wash your faces" (5:6).
Arms to Elbows: Washing arms including elbows twice ensures complete coverage of these limbs as divinely mandated.
Wiping Head: The single wiping from front to back and back to front moistens the entire head area with minimal water usage.
Feet to Ankles: Washing feet including ankles completes the ablution, ensuring no part of the obligated limbs remains dry.
Jurisprudential Notes
The sequence and number of washes follow the Prophetic example precisely. The three repetitions for mouth, nose, and face, and two for arms demonstrate the Sunnah method. The narration confirms that wiping the head is done once, while washing other limbs has specified repetitions.