Sunan an-Nasa'i 74

Overview & Central Theme

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i (The Book of Purification, no. 74) illuminates the prophetic practice of Wudu' (ablution) in its most natural and unembellished form, demonstrating the moderate use of water and the meticulous care given to the limbs and ears. The central theme is twofold: the legitimacy of using a small quantity of water (two-thirds of a Mudd) for complete purification, and the specific manner of washing the forearms and wiping the ears—particularly the inner part—as part of the Sunnah. The narration, transmitted via the venerable companion Umm 'Umarah bint Ka'b (may Allah be pleased with her), underscores the Prophet's ﷺ teaching that ritual purity is achieved through precise, intentional actions rather than excessive water usage, thereby balancing physical cleanliness with spiritual mindfulness and the conservation of resources.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The hadith is set in the context of the Prophet's ﷺ daily life, where he performed Wudu' using a vessel containing approximately two-thirds of a Mudd—a Mudd being a volumetric measure roughly equivalent to the amount of water that fills two cupped hands (about 0.5 to 0.7 liters in classical estimates, though regional variations exist). The narrator, 'Abbad bin Tamim, relays this from his grandmother, Umm 'Umarah bint Ka'b, a distinguished female Companion known for her participation in battles and her deep knowledge of prophetic practices. Linguistically, the term "Mudd" (مد) is a specific dry measure, and its use here highlights the Prophet's ﷺ frugality even in acts of worship. The phrase "washed his forearms and started rubbing them" (غسل ذراعيه وجعل يدلكهما) indicates a gentle, thorough massaging motion to ensure water reached every part of the skin, while "wiped the inside of his ear" (مسح باطن أذنيه) refers to the insertion of the index fingers into the ear canals—a detail Shu'bah (a meticulous narrator) recalls with certainty, though he expresses doubt about the outer wiping, showing the scrupulousness of hadith transmitters in preserving exact details. The Sabab al-Wurud (occasion) is not explicitly recorded, but the hadith serves as a practical demonstration, likely witnessed during a gathering or journey, to teach the Ummah the complete and sufficient method of Wudu'.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• Moderation in Water Use: The use of two-thirds of a Mudd establishes that a small quantity of water is sufficient for Wudu', refuting any notion of extravagance and teaching the Ummah to avoid wastefulness (Israf), which is prohibited even when performing acts of worship near a flowing river (as stated in another hadith).
• Complete Washing of the Forearms: The explicit mention of washing the forearms and rubbing them emphasizes that the entire limb, from the fingertips to the elbow, must be thoroughly wetted, and that gentle rubbing (Dalk) is a recommended practice (Mustahabb) to ensure no part is left dry.
• Wiping the Ears: The narration confirms that wiping the ears is a distinct and integral part of Wudu', with the inner part (Batin) being wiped using the index fingers and the outer part (Dhahir) using the thumbs—a practice agreed upon by the majority of scholars (Jumhur) as Sunnah, though some (like Abu Hanifah) consider it obligatory (Wajib) in their school.
• Jurisprudential Consensus: The hadith supports the view that the head and ears are wiped once, not repeatedly, and that the ears are treated as part of the head (following the head wipe), a ruling upheld by Imam Ash-Shafi'i and Ahmad, while Imam Malik held that they are wiped separately with fresh water—though all agree on the validity of the act.

"This hadith demonstrates the Prophet's ﷺ perfection in Wudu' and his gentleness in using water. It is reported in Sahih Muslim that he ﷺ performed Wudu' with a Mudd of water and Ghusl with a Sa' (five Mudds), and this is the limit of what is needed for purification—extravagance beyond this is blameworthy. The rubbing of the limbs ensures complete wetness, and the wiping of the inner ear is a Sunnah that many neglect." — Imam An-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim (commentary on the chapter of Wudu')

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

In our contemporary lives, this hadith calls us to revive the prophetic mindfulness in everyday acts. When performing Wudu', we should be conscious of water conservation—turning off the tap while washing limbs, using only what is necessary—and yet ensure thoroughness, rubbing each limb to guarantee full coverage, especially the forearms and the often-forgotten ears. This balance between efficiency and completeness mirrors the Islamic ethos of moderation (Wasatiyyah) in all affairs. Spiritually, the act of wiping the inner ear reminds us to purify our inner hearing—to listen to what is beneficial and avoid harmful speech. Moreover, the hadith encourages us to learn our religion from authentic sources, as the narrator's meticulous attention to detail (noting what was and was not remembered) teaches us the value of precise knowledge and honest transmission. By embodying these practices, we transform a routine act into a moment of worship, aligning our bodies and souls with the Sunnah of the Beloved ﷺ, and thereby drawing closer to Allah with every drop of water.