The Meaning of Perfecting Ablution Despite Discomfort

Question
There is a hadith from the Prophet ﷺ about 'perfecting ablution.' What is this hadith, and is it considered a Sunnah?
Answer
I say, and with God's help: The encouragement to perform ablution thoroughly has been established. In Sahih Muslim, from the hadith of Abu Huraira, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Shall I not guide you to what Allah erases sins with and raises ranks by?" They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." He said: "Completing the ablution in times of difficulty, frequent steps to the mosques, and waiting for prayer after prayer; that is the true bond." And Al-Qadi Iyad said in Ikmal al-Mu'allim 2: 31: "Completing the ablution in times of difficulty"; meaning: perfecting it and ensuring it is sufficient despite severe cold, body pain, and similar hardships.
imam icon

Send your question to the smart assistant

If the previous answers are not appropriate, please send your question to the Mufti via