The Book on Purification - Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 38

Hadith Text

The Prophet Muhammad said: "When performing Wudu go between the fingers."

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the obligation of khilal al-asabi' (passing between the fingers) during ablution. The scholars of jurisprudence have unanimously agreed upon its recommendation, with many considering it obligatory to ensure complete purification.

Imam al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic). The wisdom behind this injunction is to remove any impurity that may accumulate between the fingers, which are often folded together and may not receive proper cleansing without deliberate separation.

The method prescribed by the scholars is to interlace the fingers of one hand with those of the other and pass them through, ensuring water reaches all surfaces. This applies to both hands and feet during wudu, completing the thoroughness that Islam demands in matters of purity.

Legal Ruling

The majority of scholars consider khilal al-asabi' to be sunnah mu'akkadah (a strongly emphasized tradition), while some early scholars regarded it as wajib (obligatory). Neglecting it does not invalidate wudu according to the majority opinion, but it diminishes the completeness and perfection of the ablution.