The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: My Cistern is bigger than the space between Aila and Aden. By Him in Whose Hand is my life, I will drive away persons (from it) just as a person drives away unknown camels from his cistern. They (the companions) said: Messenger of Allah, would you recognise us? He said: Yes, you would come to me with white faces, and white hands and feet on account of the traces of ablution. None but you would have (this mark).
The Book of Purification - Sahih Muslim 248
This narration from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) concerning the Hawd (Cistern) contains profound wisdom regarding purification and its spiritual significance in the Hereafter.
Exposition of the Hawd (Cistern)
The Prophet's Hawd is a vast reservoir prepared for him on the Day of Judgment, its expanse greater than the distance between Aila (modern-day Aqaba) and Aden - a measurement indicating immense magnitude beyond human comprehension.
The driving away of unknown camels symbolizes the rejection of those who introduced innovations (bid'ah) into the religion or abandoned the Sunnah, despite their outward claim to Islam.
The Distinguishing Mark of the Ummah
The white faces, hands and feet resulting from the traces of ablution (wudu) serve as the distinctive emblem of the Prophet's true followers. This illumination is both physical and spiritual - a radiant light emanating from perfect purification.
This mark cannot be counterfeited, for it is the direct result of sincere adherence to the prophetic practice of purification, performed with proper intention and accordance to the Sunnah.
Scholarly Insights
Imam An-Nawawi explains that this hadith emphasizes the superiority of this Ummah and the great honor bestowed upon those who preserve the ritual purity as taught by the Prophet.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the "driving away" refers to those who altered the religion after the Prophet's death, while the true followers are recognized through their adherence to the authentic practices he taught.
The scholars unanimously agree that this narration encourages Muslims to perfect their ablution and maintain ritual purity, as it has both worldly and otherworldly benefits.