It was said to him (by people): Perform for us the ablution (as it was performed) by the Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him). He ('Abdullah b. Zaid) called for a vessel (of water), and poured water from it on his hands and washed them three times. Then he inserted his hand (in the vessel) and brought it (water) out, rinsed his mouth and snuffed up water from the palm of one hand doing that three times, He again inserted his hand and brought it out and washed his face three times, then inserted his hand and brought it out and washed each arm up to the elbow twice, then inserted his hand and brought it out and wiped his head both front and back with his hands. He then washed his feet up to the ankles, and then said: This is how God's Messenger (peace be upon him) performed ablution.
The Book of Purification - Sahih Muslim 235a
This narration from Abdullah ibn Zaid demonstrates the precise method of ablution (wudu) as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The companions requested a practical demonstration, showing their meticulous care in following the Prophetic example exactly.
Sequence and Repetition in Ablution
The hadith establishes the proper order: beginning with washing hands three times, then rinsing mouth and nose three times using one hand for water, followed by washing the face three times. This sequence is divinely ordained and reflects the wisdom of starting from the upper extremities downward.
The washing of arms to elbows is performed twice, demonstrating that while some actions in ablution are done thrice, others are sufficient with two repetitions. This variation shows the flexibility within the prescribed framework.
The Act of Wiping the Head
The wiping of the head "both front and back with his hands" indicates passing wet hands over the entire head from forehead to nape and back, ensuring complete coverage. This differs from washing other parts as it involves moistening rather than thorough washing.
Completion with Feet Washing
The ablution concludes with washing feet up to ankles, maintaining the downward progression. The final statement "This is how God's Messenger performed ablution" authenticates the entire procedure as directly from the Prophet, making it obligatory for Muslims to follow this method for valid ritual purification.