Allah's Messenger said: "When a Muslim, or believer, performs Wudu', washing his face, every evil that he looked at with his eyes leaves with the water - or with the last drop of water, or an expression similar to that - and when he washes his hands, every evil he did with his hands leaves with the water - or with the last drop of water - until he becomes free of sin."
Hadith Commentary: The Spiritual Purification of Wudu'
This noble hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi, specifically referenced in The Book on Purification (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2), reveals the profound spiritual dimensions of physical purification. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) illuminates how the external act of ablution serves as a means for internal purification from sins.
Theological Significance of Physical and Spiritual Cleansing
Classical scholars explain that this hadith demonstrates the inseparable connection between physical purity and spiritual purification in Islam. When a believer performs wudu' with proper intention (niyyah), Allah grants this ritual both physical cleanliness and spiritual expiation.
Imam al-Tirmidhi himself classified this hadith as hasan (good), while other scholars like Ibn Hajar noted its spiritual meaning aligns with Quranic principles of purification despite some technical discussions about its chain of narration.
Exegesis of Specific Phrases
"Every evil that he looked at with his eyes" - Scholars interpret this as referring to sins committed through the gaze, such as looking at forbidden things or with inappropriate intention. The water carries away the spiritual effects of these visual transgressions.
"Every evil he did with his hands" - This encompasses sins performed through physical action, whether theft, striking unjustly, or other prohibited manual acts. The ablution water serves as a means of forgiveness for these deeds.
The phrase "or with the last drop of water" indicates the completeness of Allah's forgiveness - that even the final droplet carries away the remnants of sin, leaving the believer spiritually renewed.
Practical Implications for Believers
This teaching encourages Muslims to perform wudu' with presence of heart and awareness of its spiritual benefits. It transforms the ritual from mere physical cleaning to an act of worship that renews one's spiritual state.
Scholars emphasize that this expiation applies to minor sins, while major sins require specific repentance. The hadith inspires believers to maintain ritual purity throughout the day, seeking continuous spiritual renewal through this blessed act of worship.