the Prophet said: "When a man performs Wudu and he performs his Wudu well, then he leaves to the Salat, and he did not leave - or he said: He had no urge - except for it, then there is not one step that he takes except that Allah raises him a degree from it, or removes a sin from him for it. "
Hadith Text & Reference
The Prophet said: "When a man performs Wudu and he performs his Wudu well, then he leaves to the Salat, and he did not leave - or he said: He had no urge - except for it, then there is not one step that he takes except that Allah raises him a degree from it, or removes a sin from him for it."
Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 603, The Book on Traveling
Commentary on the Hadith
This noble hadith establishes the immense spiritual rewards for one who performs ablution with excellence and proceeds to the mosque with pure intention. The phrase "performs his Wudu well" indicates completeness in fulfilling the obligatory acts and recommended practices of purification, washing each limb thoroughly as taught by the Prophet.
The statement "he had no urge except for it" signifies the purity of intention - that the person's sole purpose for leaving his home is to perform the obligatory prayer in congregation. This exclusive devotion to worship elevates the spiritual value of every step taken toward the mosque.
The dual reward of "Allah raises him a degree from it, or removes a sin from him for it" demonstrates divine generosity. Each step simultaneously elevates the believer's spiritual station while cleansing them of minor sins. Scholars note this applies specifically to footsteps taken toward the mosque for congregational prayer.
Imam at-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan (good), indicating its reliable chain of transmission. The wisdom behind this tremendous reward lies in the combination of physical purification (through wudu), spiritual purification (through sin removal), and the demonstration of sincere devotion to Allah through the physical journey to His house of worship.
Practical Implications
This hadith encourages Muslims to perfect their ablution, maintain pure intentions when going to mosques, and recognize the spiritual significance of every physical action performed for Allah's pleasure. It teaches that the journey to prayer is itself an act of worship meriting divine reward.
Scholars derive from this that walking to the mosque for congregational prayer carries greater reward than praying alone at home, as each step accumulates spiritual benefits. This should motivate believers to attend mosques regularly, especially for the five daily prayers.