Hadith Commentary: The Book of Purification

This profound narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i 110, transmitted through the chain of authentic narrators, contains a grave warning from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding the consequences of negligence in purification.

Literal Meaning & Context

The phrase "Woe to the heels from the Fire" refers to those who perform ablution (wudu) incompletely, leaving their heels dry and unwashed. The Prophet (ﷺ) observed this deficiency among some companions and delivered this stern admonition.

"Woe" (waylun) in Arabic denotes severe punishment and destruction, indicating the seriousness of this negligence in the sight of Allah.

Jurisprudential Ruling

Scholars unanimously agree that washing all parts of the limbs during ablution is obligatory (fard). The heels are explicitly included in the feet, which Allah commands to wash in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:6).

This hadith establishes that incomplete washing invalidates the ablution and consequently invalidates the prayer performed thereafter.

Spiritual Significance

The warning of Hellfire for such apparent negligence teaches us that Islamic worship requires both proper intention and correct execution. It demonstrates how minor oversights in outward acts of worship can have grave spiritual consequences.

This serves as a reminder to Muslims to approach all acts of worship with attentiveness and completeness, fulfilling both the spirit and letter of Islamic law.