The Book of Purification - Sahih Muslim 242a

Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) saw a man who did not wash his heel and he remarked: Woe to the heels because of hell-fire.

Commentary on the Hadith

This profound narration from Sahih Muslim emphasizes the meticulous nature of Islamic purification rituals. The Prophet's stern warning regarding neglected heels during ablution serves as a powerful reminder that partial or incomplete wudu invalidates the entire purification.

Scholars explain that "woe to the heels" indicates the severe consequence of negligence in religious obligations. The heel, being a commonly overlooked area during washing, symbolizes any aspect of worship performed carelessly or incompletely.

The mention of hell-fire serves as a grave warning against taking religious duties lightly. Classical commentators note that this hadith establishes the obligation of thoroughness in wudu, requiring Muslims to wash all prescribed body parts completely without omission.

This teaching underscores Islam's comprehensive approach to worship, where external purification reflects internal spiritual cleanliness. The Prophet's concern for proper ablution demonstrates how minor acts of worship, when performed correctly, become means of divine pleasure and protection from punishment.