The similitude of five prayers is like an overflowing river passing by the gate of one of you in which he washes five times daily Hasan said: No filthiness can remain on him.
The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 668
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim presents a profound analogy regarding the five daily prayers. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) compared them to a flowing river that cleanses a person from sins.
The River Analogy Explained
The comparison to an overflowing river indicates abundance and continuous purification. Just as water removes physical impurities, the prayers remove spiritual impurities. The "overflowing" nature signifies that Allah's mercy through prayer exceeds what is necessary, covering minor and major sins when performed with proper devotion.
The phrase "passing by the gate" indicates accessibility and convenience. Allah has made worship easy for His servants, placing this means of purification at their very doorstep, requiring no strenuous journey or difficult effort to attain spiritual cleanliness.
The Fivefold Purification
The specification of "five times daily" corresponds to the five obligatory prayers: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. Each prayer serves as a renewal of faith and a means to erase sins committed since the previous prayer, maintaining the believer in a state of spiritual purity throughout the day and night.
The statement "no filthiness can remain on him" confirms the comprehensive cleansing power of regular prayer. Just as frequent washing in pure water leaves no physical dirt, consistent performance of the five prayers leaves no spiritual stains of sins upon the believer's record when performed with proper conditions and sincerity.
Scholarly Insights
Imam An-Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates the immense virtue of the five daily prayers and their power to expiate minor sins. However, scholars clarify that major sins require specific repentance, while prayers serve as continuous maintenance of spiritual hygiene.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that the river analogy emphasizes both the quantity and quality of purification - just as abundant water cleanses more effectively, the five prayers provide comprehensive spiritual cleansing that single acts of worship cannot achieve.