He heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: just see, can anything of his filthiness remain (on the body of) any one of you if there were a river at his door in which he washed himself five times daily? They, said: Nothing of his filthiness will remain (on his body). He said: That is like the five prayers by which Allah obliterates sins.
The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 667
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim presents a profound analogy comparing the spiritual purification of prayer to physical cleansing. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) employs a tangible example that his companions could readily comprehend.
The Analogy of Physical Purification
The Prophet's question establishes a clear premise: if one were to bathe five times daily in a flowing river at their doorstep, no physical impurity would remain on their body. The companions immediately affirmed this logical conclusion, recognizing the thoroughness of such repeated cleansing.
This physical example serves as a foundation for understanding spiritual realities. Just as water cleanses the body from physical impurities, the prayers cleanse the soul from spiritual impurities.
Spiritual Implications of the Five Prayers
The five daily prayers serve as divine mechanisms for the obliteration of minor sins that accumulate between them. This does not refer to major sins requiring specific repentance, but rather the daily spiritual stains that adhere to the soul through normal human interaction and shortcomings.
Each prayer renews the believer's spiritual state, just as each bath renews physical cleanliness. The regularity ensures continuous purification, preventing the accumulation of spiritual impurities that could harden the heart.
Scholarly Commentary on the Obliteration of Sins
Classical scholars emphasize that this purification requires proper fulfillment of prayer conditions: presence of heart, humility, and proper performance of pillars and obligations. The prayers must be offered with sincerity and devotion to achieve this cleansing effect.
Imam An-Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates the immense mercy of Allah, who has prescribed these prayers as means of continuous forgiveness and spiritual renewal for His servants throughout their daily lives.