Ablutions (Wudu') - Sahih al-Bukhari 221

The Prophet (ﷺ) said as above (219).

Commentary on the Reference

This narration directs us to the previous hadith (219) which states: "The Prophet (ﷺ) saw a man praying, but a portion of his foot equivalent to the space of a dirham was not touched by water. So the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered him to repeat his wudu' and prayer."

This indicates the completeness required in wudu', where no part of the obligated areas should be left dry. The dirham's measure serves as an example, teaching that even a small neglected area invalidates the purification.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam al-Nawawi explains that this hadith demonstrates the obligation of thoroughly washing all parts of the limbs in wudu'. The Companions understood this as applying to any amount left dry, not merely the size of a dirham.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the dirham measurement was mentioned to illustrate the principle, not to specify a minimum threshold. The ruling applies regardless of the size of the neglected area.

Practical Application

One must ensure water reaches all surfaces of the washed limbs, including between fingers and toes, and beneath rings and nail polish that prevents water contact.

This hadith emphasizes the importance of attentiveness during wudu' and serves as a warning against negligence in this fundamental act of worship.