Uthman b. 'Affan called for ablution water and this is how he performed the ablution. He washed his hands thrice. He then rinsed his mouth and cleaned his nose with water (three times). He then washed his face three times, then washed his right arm up to the elbow three times, then washed his left arm like that, then wiped his head; then washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then washed his left foot like that, and then said: I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) perform ablution like this ablution of mine. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: He who performs ablution like this ablution of mine and then stood up (for prayer) and offered two rak'ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated. Ibn Shihab said: Our scholars remarked: This is the most complete of the ablutions performed for prayer.
The Excellence of Following the Prophetic Sunnah
This narration from Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) demonstrates the importance of precisely following the Prophet's example in purification. When the Companion states "I saw the Messenger of Allah perform ablution like this," it establishes the authenticity of this method as divinely guided practice.
The Sequential Order of Ablution
The hadith outlines the proper sequence: beginning with washing hands, then rinsing mouth and nose, washing face, arms to elbows, wiping the head, and finally washing feet to ankles - all performed three times each except for head-wiping.
This order reflects the wisdom of progressing from upper to lower limbs, ensuring comprehensive purification of the areas exposed during prayer.
The Spiritual Dimensions of Purification
The Prophet's promise of expiation for previous sins demonstrates that physical purification serves as a means for spiritual cleansing when performed with proper intention and concentration.
The condition "without allowing his thoughts to be distracted" emphasizes that the spiritual benefits are tied to presence of heart and mindfulness of Allah throughout the act.
Scholarly Recognition of Completeness
Ibn Shihab's transmission that scholars considered this "the most complete of ablutions" indicates this method encompasses all recommended practices without excess or deficiency.
This endorsement by early scholars establishes this narration as a comprehensive guide to the ideal wudu according to the Sunnah.