The Book of Purification - Sahih Muslim 225

This is what has been transmitted to us by Abu Huraira from Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and then narrated a hadith out of them and observed that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: The prayer of none amongst you would be accepted in a state of impurity until he performs ablution.

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the fundamental condition for the validity of prayer - ritual purity through ablution. The phrase "would be accepted" indicates that prayer without purification is rendered invalid and unacceptable to Allah, regardless of the worshipper's physical movements or recitations.

The scholars of Islam have unanimously agreed that purification is a prerequisite (shart) for prayer, not merely a recommended act. This ruling applies to both minor impurity (requiring wudu) and major impurity (requiring ghusl). The Messenger's wording emphasizes the collective responsibility - "none amongst you" - leaving no room for exception.

This hadith also teaches us about the wisdom of Islamic jurisprudence, where external purification symbolizes internal spiritual cleansing. As the body is cleansed from physical impurities, the heart should simultaneously turn toward Allah in sincerity and devotion.

Legal Implications

According to the consensus of scholars, this hadith makes ablution obligatory for: the five daily prayers, voluntary prayers, and the funeral prayer. The prayer of one who knowingly prays in a state of impurity must be repeated with proper purification.

The only exceptions recognized by scholars are cases of genuine inability to obtain water (leading to tayammum) or circumstances where purification would cause harm. Even in these cases, the requirement of purity remains, though the method changes according to necessity.