Abu Huraira reported God's messenger as saying, “The prayer of one who has voided excrement will not be accepted until he performs ablution.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification: Mishkat al-Masabih 300
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.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith, transmitted by the eminent Companion Abu Huraira and recorded in the authentic collections of both Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim, establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic ritual purity. The phrase "voided excrement" (adha) refers to the discharge of waste matter from the two passages - both urine and feces.
The Prophet's statement "will not be accepted" indicates the prayer performed in such a state lacks validity and spiritual reward. This demonstrates the intimate connection between physical purity and spiritual acceptance in Islamic worship.
Juridical Ruling
The consensus of the scholars (ijma') holds that ablution (wudu) becomes obligatory upon the occurrence of any nullifier, including the discharge of waste. This ruling applies equally to men and women, though women's nullifiers include additional matters such as menstruation and postpartum bleeding.
The Hanafi school distinguishes between minor and major impurities, while the majority hold that any discharge from the private parts requires renewal of wudu. The wisdom behind this ruling includes maintaining cleanliness, honoring the sanctity of prayer, and cultivating constant awareness of Allah.
Spiritual Dimensions
Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, explained that physical purification prepares the heart for spiritual presence before Allah. Just as the body is cleansed from physical impurities, the heart must be cleansed from spiritual impurities such as arrogance, envy, and heedlessness.
Al-Ghazali, may Allah have mercy upon him, noted that the requirement of wudu teaches the worshipper that approaching the Divine Presence requires both external and internal preparation. The ritual washing serves as a physical reminder of the need for spiritual cleansing.
Practical Implementation
One must perform wudu properly according to the Sunnah: intention, washing the hands, rinsing the mouth and nose, washing the face, arms to elbows, wiping the head, and washing the feet. Special care should be taken to ensure complete removal of najasah (impurity) from the body and clothing.
The learned scholars advise renewing wudu for each prayer when possible, as this was the practice of many Companions. May Allah grant us understanding of His religion and enable us to worship Him properly. And Allah knows best.