I saw Abu Huraira perform ablution. He washed his face and washed it well. He then washed his right hand including a portion of his arm. He then washed his left hand including a portion of his arm. He then wiped his head. He then washed his right foot including his shank, and then washed his left foot including shank, and then said: This is how I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) perform his ablution. And (Abu Huraira) added that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had observed: You shall have your faces hands and feet bright on the Day of Resurrection because of your perfect ablution. He who can afford among you, let him increase the brightness of his forehead and that of hands and legs.
The Book of Purification - Sahih Muslim 246a
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from the esteemed companion Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) provides a comprehensive demonstration of the Prophet's ablution method, which serves as a foundational practice for every Muslim.
Sequential Order of Ablution
The narration clearly establishes the proper sequence: beginning with washing the face thoroughly, then the right hand up to the arm, followed by the left hand similarly, then wiping the head, and concluding with washing the right foot up to the shank and then the left foot.
This order is not merely ritualistic but reflects divine wisdom in establishing a systematic approach to purification that prepares both body and soul for worship.
Completeness in Washing
The emphasis on washing "well" and including "a portion of the arm" and "shank" indicates the importance of thoroughness in ablution. This completeness is not merely physical but symbolic of the comprehensive nature of Islamic purification that encompasses both outward and inward states.
The inclusion of areas beyond the obligatory parts demonstrates the Prophetic practice of excellence (ihsan) in all acts of worship.
The Spiritual Reward of Perfect Ablution
The concluding Prophetic statement reveals the profound spiritual dimension of physical purification. The "brightness" mentioned refers to the luminous marks that will distinguish believers on Judgment Day - a divine light emanating from their limbs due to their faithful observance of ablution.
The encouragement to "increase the brightness" through extending the washed areas indicates the merit of going beyond the obligatory in acts of worship, reflecting the principle of voluntary excellence that brings one closer to Allah.