God’s messenger met me when I was sexually defiled, took my hand and I walked with him. When he sat down I withdrew, and after I had gone home and washed I came back and found the Prophet still seated. He asked, “Where have you been, Abu Huraira?” I told him, and he said, “Glory be to God! The believer does not become impure.” This is Bukhari's wording and Muslim has something to the same effect, but after “I told him” he adds: I said to him, “You met me when I was sexually defiled, and I did not like to sit with you till I had washed.” Bukhari has the same in another version.
Purification - Mishkat al-Masabih 451
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 Messenger Muhammad.
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, transmitted by the esteemed companion Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), addresses a fundamental principle regarding the spiritual state of believers. The Prophet's statement "The believer does not become impure" requires careful scholarly interpretation, as it appears to contradict established rulings of physical impurity requiring ghusl (ritual bath).
The Essence of Believer's Purity
The scholars of Islam have explained that the Prophet's declaration refers to the spiritual essence of the believer, not the physical state requiring purification. A believer's heart remains connected to Allah even in states requiring ritual purification. The physical impurities are temporary conditions that do not affect the fundamental purity of one's faith and spiritual connection.
Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) clarifies in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that the Prophet's words indicate the believer's inherent spiritual purity remains intact despite temporary physical impurities requiring washing.
Juridical Implications
This hadith does not negate the obligation of ghusl after sexual defilement. Rather, it emphasizes that the believer's spiritual status remains honored. The physical purification remains obligatory for prayer, Quran recitation, and mosque entry, while the spiritual essence of the believer remains pure in Allah's sight.
The Hanafi scholars note that this teaching comforts believers, assuring them that temporary physical impurities do not diminish their spiritual worth. The Maliki school emphasizes that this principle applies specifically to believers, highlighting the honor Allah bestows upon them.
Practical Application
Abu Huraira's initial withdrawal demonstrates proper Islamic etiquette - recognizing the need for physical purification before sitting with the Prophet in a state of ritual impurity. The Prophet's subsequent teaching provides spiritual comfort while maintaining the legal requirements.
This balanced approach characterizes Islamic law - upholding both the external requirements of purification and the internal reality of spiritual honor. The believer fulfills both aspects: performing required ablutions while maintaining consciousness of their honored status before Allah.
Conclusion
This hadith beautifully illustrates how Islamic teachings harmonize physical requirements with spiritual realities. The believer maintains both the external purity through prescribed washing and the internal purity through faith and consciousness of Allah. May Allah grant us understanding of His perfect law and make us among those who purify themselves outwardly and inwardly. Ameen.