"I saw 'Uthman bin 'Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, performing Wudu'. He poured water on his hands three times and washed them, then he rinsed his mouth and his nose, then he washed his face three times, then he washed his right arm to the elbow three times, then the left likewise. Then he wiped his head, then he washed his right foot three times, then the left likewise. Then he said: 'I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing Wudu' like I have just done. Then he said: 'Whoever performs Wudu' as I have done, then prays two rak'ahs without letting his thoughts wander, his previous sins will be forgiven.'"
The Book of Purification - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 84
Textual Analysis
This narration from 'Uthman bin 'Affan (رضي الله عنه) provides a detailed demonstration of the Prophet's complete ablution method. The sequence begins with washing hands thrice, followed by rinsing mouth and nose, washing face thrice, arms to elbows thrice, wiping the head once, and washing feet thrice - establishing the proper order (tartīb) as an essential component of valid wudu.
Juridical Commentary
The threefold repetition in washing limbs represents the sunnah method, though once suffices for obligation. The narration confirms the obligation of washing arms up to elbows and feet up to ankles. The wiping of the head is performed once, demonstrating its distinction from other limbs. The hadith emphasizes continuity (muwālāt) between actions without lengthy interruption.
Spiritual Dimensions
The concluding promise of forgiveness for previous sins highlights the spiritual transformation through proper physical purification. The condition of praying two rak'ahs without distraction (ghaflah) connects external purity with internal presence of heart. This demonstrates that complete wudu prepares both body and soul for divine communion, where physical cleansing becomes a means for spiritual purification and divine forgiveness.