A boy was brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) to do Tahnik for him, but the boy urinated on him, whereupon the Prophet had water poured on the place of urine.
The Incident of Tahnik and Purification
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (5468) demonstrates the Prophet's exemplary character and practical application of Islamic purity laws. When an infant urinated on him during the Tahnik ceremony (the practice of rubbing a softened date on a newborn's palate), the Prophet responded with remarkable gentleness and wisdom.
Scholarly Commentary on the Prophet's Conduct
The classical scholars explain that the Prophet's action of having water poured over the affected area illustrates several important principles: First, it confirms that a child's urine is considered impure (najis) according to Islamic law, requiring purification. Second, it shows the proper method of cleansing such impurities - simply washing with water without excessive scrubbing or distress.
Third, and most significantly, the Prophet's calm response teaches us about mercy toward children who are not yet accountable for their actions. He did not scold the child or show annoyance, recognizing that infants lack control over such functions. This incident serves as a timeless lesson in patience, compassion, and proper child-rearing according to the Sunnah.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
Scholars from the major schools of jurisprudence have derived from this hadith that the urine of infants who have not yet begun eating solid food requires only light washing, unlike that of adults. The incident also demonstrates that minor impurities do not invalidate acts of worship or religious ceremonies like Tahnik, which remains valid despite the occurrence.
Furthermore, this narration from the chapter "Sacrifice on Occasion of Birth (`Aqiqa)" in Sahih al-Bukhari shows the Prophet's commitment to maintaining ritual purity while engaging with community members, especially during blessed occasions like welcoming newborns into the Muslim community.