Abu Huraira reported God's messenger as saying, “When one of you awakes from sleep he must not dip his hand in the vessel till he has washed it three times, for he does not know where his hand was during the night.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification of the Hands Upon Waking
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) addresses the spiritual and physical purity required before handling water vessels. The wisdom behind this injunction lies in the uncertainty of where one's hand may have touched during sleep, as the sleeping state removes conscious control and awareness.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi explains in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that this teaching emphasizes precautionary measures in maintaining purity. The three washings ensure thorough cleansing from any unseen impurities that may have contacted the hand during nocturnal movements.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari notes that this practice prevents the contamination of pure water with potential impurities, demonstrating Islam's comprehensive approach to hygiene that encompasses both visible and invisible cleanliness.
Practical Application
The ruling applies to all containers of water intended for purification or drinking. Scholars differ on whether this is obligatory or recommended, with the majority considering it strongly recommended (mustahabb) based on the wording "he must not" (la yaghmiss).
This teaching forms part of the comprehensive Islamic system of purity that governs both physical cleanliness and spiritual preparedness for worship.
Source Reference
Book: Purification | Author: Mishkat al-Masabih | Hadith Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 391