Hadith Text & Reference

"The Prophet performed Wudu; so he washed his face three times, and his hands three times, and wiped his head, and he said: 'The ears are part of the head.'"

Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 37 from The Book on Purification by Imam at-Tirmidhi

Commentary on the Wudu Procedure

This noble hadith establishes the proper method of performing ritual purification (wudu) as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The threefold washing of the face and hands indicates the recommended number of repetitions for these limbs, though a single washing suffices for validity.

The face washing includes from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear. The hands are washed from fingertips to elbows, with the right preceding the left as established in other narrations.

The Status of Ears in Wudu

The Prophet's statement "The ears are part of the head" resolves a matter of juristic importance. Scholars agree this means ears are included in the wiping of the head during wudu, not requiring separate washing.

The majority position holds that one wipes the entire head including ears with the same water used for the head, wiping the inner ears with the index fingers and the outer ears with the thumbs. This constitutes a single act completing the head wiping obligation.

Legal Rulings Derived

This hadith establishes that wiping over the ears is obligatory (wajib) as part of head wiping in wudu. Neglecting them invalidates the purification.

The threefold washing is recommended (sunnah) for face and hands, demonstrating the perfection of the act. The fundamental obligation remains fulfilled with a single washing.

The hadith demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings, leaving no aspect of worship without clear guidance from the Prophet ﷺ.