"O Abu Ayyub, we missed the general mobilization, but we have been told that whoever prays in the four Masjids will be forgiven his sins." He said: "O son of my brother! I will tell you of something easier than that. I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) says: 'Whoever performs Wudu' as commanded and prays as commanded, will be forgiven for his previous actions.' Is it not so, O 'Uqbah?" He said: "Yes."
Hadith Commentary: The Excellence of Proper Wudu and Prayer
This blessed narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i 144 contains profound wisdom from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ regarding the expiation of sins through proper ritual purification and prayer.
Contextual Analysis
The companions inquired about visiting the four sacred mosques (Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and the Mosque of the Prophet in Quba) for forgiveness. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) directed them to an easier, more accessible path.
This demonstrates the mercy and practicality of Islamic teachings - providing multiple avenues for spiritual purification that accommodate different circumstances and capabilities.
Scholarly Explanation of "As Commanded"
The phrase "as commanded" (kamā umira) refers to performing wudu and prayer in complete accordance with the Prophetic tradition - observing all obligatory components, recommended acts, proper sequence, and spiritual presence.
For wudu: This includes washing each limb the prescribed number of times, ensuring water reaches all required areas, and maintaining the proper order as revealed in the Quran and demonstrated by the Prophet ﷺ.
For prayer: This encompasses proper purification beforehand, observing prayer times, fulfilling all pillars (arkān), and maintaining humility and concentration (khushū') throughout.
Theological Significance
The promise of forgiveness for "previous actions" includes both minor sins and potentially major sins when accompanied by sincere repentance. Scholars note that this comprehensive forgiveness demonstrates Allah's immense mercy and the elevated status of prescribed worship.
This hadith emphasizes that spiritual excellence is not necessarily found in extraordinary acts, but in perfecting the ordinary acts of worship that Muslims perform daily.
Practical Application
Muslims should focus on perfecting their daily prayers and purification rather than seeking extraordinary means of forgiveness that may be difficult to attain.
This teaching makes spiritual purification accessible to all believers, regardless of their physical capability or financial means to travel to sacred sites.