Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s messenger as saying, “Prayer without purification is not accepted, neither is sadaqa from the profits of unfaithful dealing.” Muslim transmitted it.
Purification: The Foundation of Prayer
This narration from the esteemed companion Ibn 'Umar, preserved in Mishkat al-Masabih 301, establishes two fundamental principles of Islamic worship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly states that prayer without the prerequisite state of ritual purity (taharah) is invalid and unacceptable before Allah.
The Nature of Valid Purification
Purification (taharah) here refers to both the major purification (ghusl) from major impurities and the minor purification (wudu') from minor impurities. This condition is a divine prerequisite that renders the physical act of prayer spiritually meaningful.
The wisdom behind this ruling is to teach the worshipper that approaching the Divine Presence requires both external cleanliness and internal preparation, symbolizing the purity of heart and intention required for communion with Allah.
The Condition of Lawful Sustenance
The second part of the hadith connects the acceptance of charitable giving (sadaqa) with the lawfulness of one's earnings. Charity given from wealth acquired through unlawful means—such as usury (riba), theft, deception, or other prohibited transactions—is not accepted by Allah.
This teaching emphasizes that the means of acquiring wealth must be pure for the act of spending in Allah's path to be blessed. It establishes the comprehensive nature of Islamic piety, where both worship and worldly transactions must conform to divine guidelines.
Scholarly Commentary
The scholars of Islam have unanimously agreed upon the necessity of purification for prayer, considering it among the essential conditions (shurut) for its validity. This ruling applies to all obligatory and voluntary prayers alike.
Regarding unlawful earnings, scholars have detailed various categories of prohibited transactions, emphasizing that Muslims must diligently ensure their livelihood is earned through permissible means. The rejection of charity from unlawful sources serves as a powerful deterrent against engaging in unethical business practices.