"Allahumma tahhirni min adh-dhunub wal-khataya. Allahumma naqqini minha kama yunaqqa ath-thawb al-abyad min ad-danas, Allahumma tahhirni bith-thalji wal-barad wal-ma' al-barid (O Allah, purify me of sin and error, O Allah cleanse me of it as a white garment is cleansed of dirt, O Allah purify me with snow and hail and cold water)."
The Book of Ghusl and Tayammum - Sunan an-Nasa'i
This comprehensive supplication from Sunan an-Nasa'i 402 contains profound spiritual wisdom regarding purification from sins through the physical act of ghusl (ritual bath).
Linguistic Analysis
"Tahhirni" derives from tahara (purity), indicating complete spiritual cleansing. "Naqqini" comes from naqā' (cleansing), emphasizing thorough purification. "Adh-dhunub" refers to intentional sins while "al-khataya" indicates unintentional errors.
Spiritual Purification Imagery
The comparison to "ath-thawb al-abyad" (white garment) symbolizes the soul's return to its primordial state of fitrah (natural disposition). White represents purity in Islamic tradition, while "ad-danas" (dirt) symbolizes spiritual impurities that obscure the heart's luminosity.
Cosmic Cleansing Agents
"Ath-thalji" (snow) represents gentle, comprehensive cleansing. "Al-barad" (hail) signifies forceful removal of stubborn sins. "Al-ma' al-barid" (cold water) indicates refreshing spiritual renewal. Together, these elements represent varying intensities of divine purification.
Juridical Context
This du'a is recommended during ghusl following major ritual impurity. The physical cleansing becomes a vehicle for spiritual purification when accompanied by this heartfelt supplication, transforming a ritual obligation into profound worship.