Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “Shall I not guide you to something for which God blots out sins and raises men's ranks?” When his hearers expressed their desire that he should tell them, he said, “Performing complete ablution although circumstances make it difficult, travelling far to mosques, and looking expectantly to the next time of prayer after prayers have been said. That is the defence of the frontier.”* The tradition of Malik b. Anas has, “That is the defence of the frontier; that is the defence of the frontier. He repeated it twice.” *Here meant in a spiritual sense, as a defence against infidelity and wrongdoing.Muslim transmitted it. Tirmidhi’s version has thrice.
Purification - Mishkat al-Masabih 282, 283
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon His final Prophet Muhammad. This noble hadith, transmitted by the trustworthy companion Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), contains profound guidance for the purification of the soul and elevation of spiritual stations.
The Three Means of Spiritual Elevation
The Prophet (peace be upon him) presents three distinct practices that serve as means for the expiation of sins and elevation of ranks: First, performing complete ablution (wudu) in difficult circumstances, such as extreme cold. This demonstrates the servant's commitment to purity despite physical discomfort, reflecting true faith and obedience.
Second, walking long distances to mosques for congregational prayer. Each step taken toward the mosque is recorded as a good deed, and the difficulty endured enhances the reward, demonstrating the believer's love for Allah's houses and commitment to communal worship.
Third, awaiting the next prayer after having prayed. This indicates a heart continuously connected to Allah, living between one prayer and the next in spiritual anticipation, thus maintaining constant remembrance of the Divine.
The Spiritual Frontier Defense
The Prophet's declaration "That is the defense of the frontier" refers not merely to physical borders but to the spiritual frontiers of faith. These practices protect the believer from the incursions of sin, negligence, and spiritual weakness. As Imam Malik's transmission emphasizes through repetition, this constitutes a vital spiritual fortress.
The scholars explain that just as soldiers guard physical frontiers, these acts of worship guard the frontiers of the heart against the whispers of Satan and the temptations of the lower self. They strengthen iman (faith) and protect against kufr (disbelief) and ma'siyah (disobedience).
Practical Implementation
The wise believer should incorporate these teachings by: Maintaining ritual purity even when inconvenient; prioritizing mosque attendance regardless of distance; and cultivating a heart that eagerly anticipates each prayer. Through these means, one may hope for Allah's forgiveness and spiritual elevation, by His infinite mercy and grace.