We returned from Mecca to Medina with God’s messenger, and when we came to some water on the way some of the people hurriedly performed ablution at the time of the afternoon prayer; but they were too hasty, and when we reached them their heels were dry, no water having touched them. God’s messenger therefore said, “Woe to the heels because of hell! Complete the ablution.” Muslim transmitted it.
Purification: Mishkat al-Masabih 398
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His final Prophet Muhammad.
Context and Occasion of Revelation
This noble hadith, transmitted by Imam Muslim in his Sahih, relates an incident that occurred during the return journey from Mecca to Medina. The companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were at a watering place when the time for Asr prayer approached. In their haste to pray on time, some performed ablution (wudu) incompletely, leaving their heels dry.
Scholarly Commentary on the Text
The Prophet's statement "Woe to the heels because of hell" serves as a severe warning against negligence in purification. Scholars explain that this emphatic expression indicates the gravity of omitting any obligatory part of wudu. The heels represent all parts that must be washed, and their omission renders the entire ablution invalid.
Imam Nawawi comments in his explanation of Sahih Muslim that this hadith establishes the obligation of completely washing all prescribed limbs in wudu, including those areas difficult to reach. The command "Complete the ablution" emphasizes that partial washing does not suffice for ritual purity.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith proves the invalidity of wudu if any part of the obligated areas remains unwashed. The four Sunni schools of jurisprudence unanimously agree that washing all prescribed limbs completely is a fundamental pillar of valid ablution.
The warning about hellfire indicates that persistent negligence in purification despite knowledge may lead to severe punishment, as prayer without valid wudu is not accepted by Allah.
Spiritual Lessons
This incident teaches Muslims the importance of thoroughness in acts of worship, avoiding haste that leads to deficiency. It demonstrates the Prophet's role as both warner and guide - first warning of consequences, then providing correct guidance.
The companions' immediate response to correction shows the proper attitude of believers: accepting guidance and implementing it without delay or objection.