We returned from Mecca to Medina with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and when we came to some water on the way, some of the people were in a hurry at the time of the afternoon prayer and performed ablution hurriedly; and when we reached them, their heels were dry, no water had touched them. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Woe to (dry) heels, because of Hell-fire. Make your ablution thorough.
The Book of Purification - Sahih Muslim 241a
This narration from Sahih Muslim serves as a profound admonition regarding the proper performance of wudu (ablution). The Prophet's statement "Woe to (dry) heels, because of Hell-fire" carries immense gravity, indicating that negligence in purification can have severe spiritual consequences in the Hereafter.
Scholarly Commentary on the Hadith
The Companions' haste in performing ablution while traveling demonstrates how even righteous individuals can become negligent in religious duties due to worldly preoccupations. The dry heels signify incomplete washing of the feet, which invalidates the entire ablution.
The Prophet's warning connects this physical negligence with spiritual consequences - Hell-fire serves as the ultimate reminder of the seriousness with which Islamic rituals must be approached. This is not merely about ritual purity but about the attitude of conscientiousness (ihsan) that must accompany all acts of worship.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the obligatory nature of thoroughly washing all prescribed body parts during wudu, particularly the feet up to the ankles. Any omission, whether intentional or unintentional, renders the ablution invalid and consequently nullifies any prayer performed thereafter.
The phrase "Make your ablution thorough" (Atimmū al-wuḍū') emphasizes completeness and perfection in religious observance. Scholars derive from this that Muslims must ensure water reaches every part of the obligated limbs without leaving any dry spots, especially in areas difficult to wash properly.
Practical Application
When performing wudu, one must carefully wash between the toes and ensure the entire foot including the heels is thoroughly moistened. Travel or haste does not excuse incomplete ablution. The hadith teaches that the quality of worship takes precedence over convenience or speed.
This narration serves as a timeless reminder that Allah deserves our best efforts in worship and that negligence in outward purification may indicate carelessness in inward purification of the heart.