I heard from 'Uthman b. 'Affan and he was in the courtyard of the mosque, when the Mu'adhdhin (announcer of the prayer) came to him at the time of afternoon prayer. So the ('Uthman) called for the ablution water and performed ablution and then said: By Allah, I am narrating to you a hadith. If there were not a verse in the Book of Allah, I would have never narrated it to you. I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) say: If a Muslim performs ablution and does it well and offers prayer, all his (sins) daring the period from one prayer to another would be pardoned by Allah.
The Book of Purification - Sahih Muslim 227a
This narration from the esteemed Companion 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, contains profound wisdom regarding the spiritual purification achieved through proper ablution and prayer. The setting in the mosque courtyard during the call to afternoon prayer establishes the sanctity of the moment.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
'Uthman's solemn oath and reference to a Quranic verse indicates the gravity and authenticity of this transmission. The phrase "if there were not a verse in the Book of Allah" refers to the divine injunction to convey prophetic teachings, demonstrating his scrupulous adherence to Islamic principles.
The Prophet's teaching emphasizes that proper wudu (ablution) performed with perfection (ihsan) followed by prayer serves as expiation for minor sins committed between prayers. This encompasses the period from one obligatory prayer to the next, creating a continuous cycle of purification for the believer.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the spiritual merit of maintaining ritual purity and performing prayers at their appointed times. The forgiveness mentioned applies to minor transgressions, while major sins require specific repentance. The condition "performs ablution and does it well" indicates the importance of completeness in wudu, fulfilling all its obligatory and recommended aspects.
The narration also illustrates the Companions' meticulous care in transmitting Prophetic traditions, only doing so when certain of their authenticity and when religiously obligated to share them for the benefit of the Muslim community.