"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would not perform Wudu' after Ghusl."
Hadith Text & Reference
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would not perform Wudu' after Ghusl."
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 430 | The Book of Ghusl and Tayammum
Meaning & Significance
This hadith establishes that the complete ablution (ghusl) inherently includes the ritual purification of wudu'. When one performs ghusl with the proper intention and covers the entire body with water, the requirements for both major and minor impurity are fulfilled simultaneously.
The Prophet's practice demonstrates that performing wudu' after ghusl is an unnecessary repetition, as ghusl itself serves as a comprehensive purification that encompasses all that wudu' accomplishes.
Juridical Ruling
The consensus among classical scholars is that it is neither required nor recommended to perform wudu' after having completed a valid ghusl. To do so would be considered an innovation (bid'ah) in worship, as it constitutes adding to the divinely prescribed method of purification.
If one begins with wudu' as part of the ghusl process (washing hands, private parts, performing wudu', then pouring water over the entire body), this is permissible according to many scholars, but a separate wudu' after completing ghusl is not warranted.
Practical Application
This teaching simplifies the purification process for Muslims. After experiencing major ritual impurity (janabah), one need only perform ghusl correctly to be pure for prayer and other acts of worship.
The hadith protects the ummah from unnecessary hardship and excess in religious practice, aligning with the Islamic principle of removing difficulty while maintaining proper worship standards.