Riyad as-Salihin, 1028

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face (in the course of Wudu'), every sin which he committed with his eyes, will be washed away from his face with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin which is committed by his hands will be effaced from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin his feet committed will be washed away with the water, or with the last drop of water; until he finally emerges cleansed of all his sins." [Muslim].

-وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏

‏إذا توضأ العبد المسلم - أو المؤمن- فغسل وجهه، خرج من وجهه كل خطيئة نظر إليها بعينيه مع الماء، أو مع آخر قطر الماء، فإذا غسل يديه، خرج من يديه كل خطيئة كان بطشتها يداه مع الماء، أو مع آخر قطر الماء، فإذا غسل رجليه، خرجت كل خطيئة مشتها رجلاه مع الماء، أو مع آخر قطر الماء، حتى يخرج نقيًا من الذنوب‏

‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Book 8, Hadith 38

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadiths: 1) Ablution is a great act of worship, as it leads to forgiveness of sins, even the smallest of them, which lie under the fingernails. 2) When a Muslim, during ablution, feels sincerity to Allah Almighty and adherence to the Prophet’s Sunnah and recalls forgiveness of sins due to his ablution, all this is worship for which he will be rewarded. A fortunate person is the one guided to these meanings in terms of awareness and action. 3) They show the merit of this Ummah, as Allah Almighty grants them great rewards for small deeds. 4) The Companion in the Hadith followed the Prophet’s example and was keen to convey his guidance to the Ummah. This is a sign of the honor and virtue of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). May Allah show mercy to those who follow in their footsteps! 5) Allah Almighty is merciful to this Ummah, as He legislated for them simple acts of worship for which He forgives many sins. Expiations of sins are a divine mercy towards the believers.

Related hadiths8