Uthman (rad) called for water to perform ablution. He washed palms of his hands three times, then rinsed his mouth and sniffed water in his nose and then blew it out. He then washed his face three times. Thereafter he washed his right hand up to his elbow three times, then the left one likewise, then he passed wet hands on his head. Then he washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then the left one likewise. He then said, “I saw Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) performing ablution like this ablution of mine”. [Agreed upon]
The Excellence of Following the Prophetic Example
The narration of Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) demonstrates the importance of emulating the precise manner of the Prophet's ablution. By explicitly stating "I saw Allah's Messenger performing ablution like this," Uthman establishes the authenticity of this method and emphasizes that following the Prophet's example in even the smallest details of worship is a means of drawing closer to Allah.
Sequential Order in Ablution
This hadith from Bulugh al-Maram 33 establishes the proper sequence (tartib) of ablution limbs: beginning with the hands, then mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and finally feet. Scholars note that maintaining this order is among the obligatory acts (fara'id) of ablution according to the majority position, as the Prophet consistently performed it in this manner.
The three-fold washing of each limb (except the head) indicates the perfection (itmam) and completeness (ihsan) of the act. While a single washing suffices for validity, repeating three times represents the recommended sunnah method that brings greater reward.
Specific Acts of Purification
The washing of palms three times before proceeding to other limbs serves to purify the instruments of purification themselves. The mouth and nose rinsing (madmada wa istinshaq) are emphasized as separate acts, with scholars noting that water must reach the interior of the nose cavity for proper fulfillment.
The wiping of the head (mas-h) is performed differently from washing, requiring only moistening of hands and passing them over the head. The feet are washed up to the ankles, with particular attention to ensuring water reaches between toes and all surfaces, as the feet are most prone to being missed during ablution.
Legal Rulings Derived
From this narration in The Book of Purification, scholars derive that continuity (muwalat) in performing ablution acts is recommended, though not obligatory according to the majority. The hadith also establishes the legitimacy of learning religious practices through observation and transmission, as Uthman learned this directly by watching the Prophet.
The consensus of scholars from Bulugh al-Maram holds that this comprehensive description represents the complete sunnah method of ablution, incorporating both obligatory and recommended elements. Muslims are encouraged to learn this method thoroughly and implement it in their daily worship.