Ablutions (Wudu') - Sahih al-Bukhari 219

The Prophet (ﷺ) saw a Bedouin making water in the mosque and told the people not to disturb him. When he finished, the Prophet (ﷺ) asked for some water and poured it over (the urine).

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith contains profound wisdom regarding both purification and pedagogy. The Prophet's instruction not to disturb the Bedouin demonstrates the principle of avoiding greater harm - had they interrupted him, the impurity would have spread further in the mosque.

The subsequent purification with water establishes the fundamental method of cleansing najasah (impurity) from places of worship. This action confirms that water is the primary purifying agent in Islamic law, sufficient to render impure places pure again.

Scholars derive from this incident the importance of gentle correction rather than harsh rebuke, especially when dealing with those ignorant of religious rulings. The Prophet's approach combined patience with practical education, teaching by example rather than mere prohibition.

Furthermore, this narration emphasizes the sanctity of mosques while simultaneously demonstrating compassion toward those who unintentionally violate their sanctity due to ignorance.