"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Allah does not accept Salah without purification, nor charity from Ghulul.'" [1][1] That which is taken from the spoils of war prior to their distribution.
Hadith Text & Context
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Allah does not accept Salah without purification, nor charity from Ghulul.'" (Sunan an-Nasa'i 139)
Ghulul refers to that which is taken from the spoils of war prior to their distribution.
Linguistic Analysis
"Tuhara" (purification) encompasses both physical cleanliness and ritual purity through wudu or ghusl.
"Salah" refers specifically to the prescribed prayers requiring ritual purity.
"Ghulul" denotes betrayal and misappropriation, particularly regarding war booty.
Legal Rulings on Purification
The consensus of scholars holds purification as a precondition for prayer's validity.
This includes removal of physical impurities (najasah) and performance of ablution (wudu) or ritual bath (ghusl).
Minor impurities require wudu, while major impurities (janabah, menstruation) require ghusl.
Prohibition of Ghulul
Ghulul constitutes betrayal of trust and usurpation of communal property.
Charity from such sources is rejected due to the unlawful nature of the wealth.
This extends to all unlawfully acquired wealth, not merely war booty.
Spiritual Dimensions
Outward purification reflects inward purity of heart and intention.
Prayer without purification lacks the spiritual presence (khushu') required for acceptance.
Charity from unlawful sources increases sin rather than earning reward.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam an-Nawawi: "This hadith establishes the fundamental principle that prayer without purification is invalid."
Ibn Hajar: "The prohibition of ghulul emphasizes that acts of worship require lawful means."
Al-Munawi: "Both conditions demonstrate that outward acts must be accompanied by inward integrity."