Purification

Abu Malik al-Ash‘ari reported God’s messenger as saying, “Being purified is half of faith, saying ‘Praise be to God’ fills the scale, saying ‘Glory be to God’ and ‘Praise be to God' fill or fills* the space between the heavens and the earth, prayer is a light, sadaqa is a proof [of sincere faith], endurance is a shining glory, and the Qur’an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves.” *An alternative reading is given in the text, the first feminine dual and the second feminine singular. Muslim transmitted it. A version has, “Saying ‘There is no god but God’ and ‘God is most great’ fills the space between heaven and earth.” I did not find this version in the two Sahihs, in al-Humaidi's book [Al-jam' bain as-sahihain], or in the Jami [ibn al-Athir’s Jami' al-usul] but Darimi mentioned it in place of “Glory be to God and Praise be to God.”

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “Shall I not guide you to something for which God blots out sins and raises men's ranks?” When his hearers expressed their desire that he should tell them, he said, “Performing complete ablution although circumstances make it difficult, travelling far to mosques, and looking expectantly to the next time of prayer after prayers have been said. That is the defence of the frontier.”* The tradition of Malik b. Anas has, “That is the defence of the frontier; that is the defence of the frontier. He repeated it twice.” *Here meant in a spiritual sense, as a defence against infidelity and wrongdoing. Muslim transmitted it. Tirmidhi’s version has thrice.

‘Uthman reported God’s messenger as saying, “If anyone performs the ablution well, his sins will come out from his body, even coming out from under his nails.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face in the course of ablution, every sin he contemplated with his eyes will come forth from his face along with the water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought will come forth from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin towards which his feet have walked will come out with the water, or with the last drop of water, with the result that he will come forth pure from offences.” Muslim transmitted it.

‘Uthman reported God’s messenger as saying, “When the time for a prescribed prayer comes, if any Muslim observes proper ablution, humility and bowing, it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and that means for all time.” Muslim transmitted it.

‘Uthman performed ablution, pouring water over his hands three times, then rinsing his mouth and snuffing up water, then washing his face three times, then washing his right arm up to the elbow three times, then washing his left arm up to the elbow three times, then wiping his head, then washing his right foot three times, then the left three times. He then said, “I have seen God’s messenger performing ablution as I have done it just now,” adding, “If anyone performs ablution as I have done, then prays two rak'as* without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, his past offences will be forgiven him.” *A section of the daily prayers. Each time of prayer has a specified number of rak'as (Bukhari and Muslim, the wording being Bukhari’s.)

‘Uqba b. 'Amir reported God’s messenger as saying, “If any Muslim performs ablution well, then stands and prays two rak'as, setting about their performance both inwardly and outwardly, he will be guaranteed paradise.” Muslim transmitted it.

‘Umar b. al-Khattab reported, God's messenger as saying, “If anyone performs the ablution completely*, then says, ‘I testify that there in no god but God and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger’ (a version giving, ‘I testify that there is no god but God alone who has no partner, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and messenger’), the eight gates of paradise will be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes." *The text has alternative words here, fa-yublighu au fa-yusbighu. Thus Muslim transmitted it in his Sahih, and al-Humaidi among the traditions given by Muslim but not by Bukhari, as also did Ibn al-Athir in Jami' al-usul. The Shaikh Muhyi ad-Din an-Nawawi mentioned it at the end of Muslim’s traditions as we have transmitted it. Tirmidhi added, “O God, put me among the penitent, and put me among those who are purified." The tradition, “He who performs ablution and does it well" which Muhyi as-Sunna transmitted among the sound ones is transmitted identically by Tirmidhi in his Jami' except for “I testify" before the words "that Muhammad."

Abu Huraira reported God's messenger as saying, "My people will be summoned on the day of resurrection with white faces and hands and feet from the marks of ablution. If any of you can extend his brightness, let him do so." (Bukhari and Muslim.)

He also reported God’s messenger as saying, “In a believer adornments will reach the places which ablution reaches." Muslim transmitted it.

Thauban reported God’s messenger as saying, “Keep to the straight path, which you will not be able to do, know that your best action is prayer and that only a believer observes ablution carefully." Malik, Ahmad, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it.

Ibn ‘Umar reported God's messenger as saying, “He who performs ablution when in a state of purity will have ten blessings recorded for him.” Tirmidhi transmitted it.

Jabir reported God’s messenger as saying, “The key of paradise is prayer, and the key of prayer is being purified." Ahmad transmitted it.

Shabib b. Abu Rauh reported on the authority of one of the companions of God’s messenger that God’s messenger prayed the morning prayer and recited Ar-Rum*, but became confused about it. When he finished the prayer he said, “What is the matter with people who pray along with us without performing the purification properly? It is only those who cause us confusion about the Qur’an.” *Qur’an, xxx. Nasa’i transmitted it.

A man of the B. Sulaim said: God's messenger counted them in my hand, or in his hand, saying, “The glorifying of God is half the scale, ‘Praise be to God’ fills it, ‘God is most great’ fills the space between heaven and earth, fasting is the half of endurance, and being purified is half of faith.” Tirmidhi transmitted it and said that this is a hasan tradition.

‘Abdallah as-Sunabihi reported God’s messenger as saying, “When a believer performs ablution, then rinses his mouth, the sins go out from his mouth; when he snuffs up water, the sins go out from his nose; when he washes his face, the sins go out from his face so that they go out from under his eyelashes; when he washes his hands, the sins go out from his hands so that they go out from under his fingernails; when he wipes his head, the sins go out from his head so that they go out from his ears; and when he washes his feet, the sins go out from his feet so that they go out from under his toenails. Then his walking to the mosque and his prayer will provide extra blessings for him.” Malik and Nasa’i transmitted it.

Abu Huraira told of God’s messenger coming to the cemetery and saying, “Peace be upon you, believing ones, and if God will we shall join you. I wish we had seen our brethren.” He was asked, “Are we not your brethren, messenger of God?” and replied, “You are my companions; our brethren are those who have not yet been born.” They asked, “How will you recognise those members of your people who have not yet been born, messenger of God?” He said, “Tell me; supposing a man had horses with white blazes and white marks on their legs among horses which were pure black, would he not recognise his own horses?” They replied, “Certainly, messenger of God.” He said, “They will come with white faces and arms and legs owing to ablution, and I will arrive at the Tank before them.” Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Darda’ reported God’s messenger as saying, “I shall be the first to be permitted to prostrate himself on the day of resurrection, and I shall be the first to be permitted to raise his head. I shall then look at what is in front of me and recognise my people among the peoples; and I shall do the same behind me, on my right hand and on my left.” A man asked, “How will you recognise your people among the peoples from Noah’s time onwards?” and he replied, “They will have white faces, arms and legs owing to the mark of ablution, no others being like that. I shall recognise them because they will be given their books in their right hands, and I shall recognise them with their offspring running before them.” Ahmad transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God's messenger as saying, “The prayer of one who has voided excrement will not be accepted until he performs ablution.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s messenger as saying, “Prayer without purification is not accepted, neither is sadaqa from the profits of un­ faithful dealing.” Muslim transmitted it.

‘Ali said: My prostatic fluid flowed readily, and I was ashamed to consult the Prophet (ﷺ) because of the position of his daughter so I gave orders to al-Miqdad to consult him, and the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He must wash his penis and perform ablution.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Huraira said that he heard God’s messenger say, “Perform ablution because of anything which has been touched by fire.” Muslim transmitted it. The illustrious shaikh and imam Muhyi as-Sunna said that this is abrogated by the tradition of Ibn ‘Abbas who said that God’s messenger ate a shoulder of mutton, then prayed without performing ablution. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Jabir b. Samura said that a man asked God’s messenger whether they should perform ablution after eating mutton and he replied, “You may perform ablution or not, as you wish.” He asked if they should perform ablution after eating camel flesh and he replied, “Yes, perform ablution after eating camel flesh.” He then asked whether he might say prayers in sheepfolds and he replied, “Yes”; but when he asked whether he might say prayers in places where camels lie down, he replied, “No.” Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “If any of you has a pain in his abdomen, but is doubtful whether or not anything has issued from him, he should not leave the mosque unless he hears a sound or perceives a smell.” Muslim transmitted it.

‘Abdallah b. ‘Abbas said that God’s messenger drank some milk and rinsed his mouth saying, “It contains greasiness.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Buraida said that God’s messenger prayed the prayers on the day of the Conquest [The conquest of Mecca in the year 8 A.H.] with one ablution and wiped over his shoes. ‘Umar said, “You have done something today that you have not been accustomed to do.” He replied, “I have done it purposely, ‘Umar.” Muslim transmitted it.

Suwaid b. an-Nu‘man said that he went out with God’s messenger in the year of Khaibar [Khaibar was taken in 7 A.H.], and when they were at as-Sahba’ which is very near Khaibar, he prayed the afternoon prayer. He then called for food, and when only some flour was produced, he ordered it to be moistened; then God’s messenger and the company ate. After that he got up to pray the sunset prayer, and when he and the company had rinsed their mouths he prayed without performing ablution. Bukhari transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “No ablution is necessary except when one makes a sound or breaks wind.” Ahmad and Tirmidhi transmitted it.

‘Ali said: I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about prostatic fluid and he replied, “For prostatic fluid ablution is necessary, but for seminal emission washing.” Tirmidhi transmitted it.

He also reported God's messenger as saying, “The key of prayer is purification, saying ‘God is most great’ makes it a sacred state, and the salutation brings the sacred state to an end.” Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi and Darimi transmitted it, and Ibn Majah transmitted it both from 'Ali and from Abu Sa'id.

‘Ali b. Talq reported God’s messenger as saying, “When any of you breaks wind he should perform ablution, and you must not have intercourse with women by their buttocks.” Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Mu'awiya b. Abu Sufyan reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “The eyes are the leather strap of the anus, and when the eye sleeps the leather strap is loosened.” Darimi transmitted it.

‘Ali reported God's messenger as saying, “The leather strap of the anus is the eyes, so one who sleeps should perform ablution. Abu Dawud transmitted it, and the shaikh and imam Muhyi as-Sunna said that this does not refer to one who is sitting because of the sound tradition from Anas who said that the Companions of God’s messenger dozed while waiting for nightfall, then prayed without performing ablution. Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi transmitted it, but Tirmidhi said “they slept” instead of saying that they “dozed while waiting for nightfall.”

Ibn ‘Abbas reported God’s messenger as saying, “Ablution is necessary for one who sleeps lying down, for when he lies down his joints are relaxed.” Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Busra daughter of Safwan b. Naufal reported God’s messenger as saying, “If any of you touches his penis he must perform ablution.” Malik, Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it.

Talq b. ‘Ali said that God’s messenger was asked about a man touching his penis after performing ablution, and replied, “What is it but a part of him?” Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi and Nasa’i transmitted it, and Ibn Majah transmitted something similar. The shaikh and imam Muhyi as-Sunna said that this is abrogated because Abu Huraira accepted Islam after Talq came, and Abu Huraira has transmitted from God’s messenger the saying, “If anyone touches his penis with his hand, nothing coming between them, he must perform ablution.” Shafi‘i and Daraqutni transmitted it, and Nasa’i transmitted it from Busra, but did not include “nothing between them.”

‘A’isha said that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to kiss one of his wives and then pray without performing ablution. Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i and Ibn Majah transmitted it. Tirmidhi said, “The isnad ‘Urwa from ‘A'isha is in no way sound in the opinion of our friends,* and the same applies to the isnad Ibrahim at-Taimi from her.” Abu Dawud said that this is mursal and that Ibrahim at-Taimi never heard from ‘A'isha. *This must apply to this particular tradition, as ‘Urwa is a recognised transmitter from ‘A'isha

Ibn ‘Abbas said that God's messenger ate a shoulder, and after wiping his hand with a cloth on which he was sitting, he got up and prayed. Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Umm Salama said, “I offered the Prophet (ﷺ) a roasted flank and he ate some of it, then rose to pray without performing ablution.” Ahmad transmitted it.

Abu Rafi' said, “I testify that I was roasting the inside of a sheep for God’s messenger, then he prayed without performing ablution.” Muslim transmitted it.

He also said that a sheep was presented to him and he put it in the pot. God’s messenger came in and asked, “What is this, Abu Rafi'?” He replied, “It is a sheep which has been presented to us, and I have cooked it in the pot.” He said, “Hand me the foreleg, Abu Rafi‘,” and he did so. He then said, “Hand me the other foreleg,” and he did so. He then said, “Hand me the other foreleg,” whereupon Abu Rafi‘ ex­ postulated that a sheep has only two forelegs. God’s messenger replied, “If you had remained silent, you would have handed me one foreleg after another as long as you kept silence.” He then called for water, rinsed his mouth and washed the tips of his fingers, after which he got up and prayed. Later he returned to them and finding that they had cold meat, he ate some, after which he entered the mosque and prayed without touching water. Ahmad transmitted it, and Darimi transmitted it from Abu ‘Ubaid, but did not include the passage from “He then called for water” to the end.

Anas b. Malik said: Ubayy, Abu Talha and I sat and ate some meat and bread, after which I called for water to perform ablution. They asked, “Why are you performing ablution?” and I replied that it was because of this food which we had eaten. They said, “Do you perform ablution after eating things which are good? He who was better than you did not perform ablution on that account.” Ahmad transmitted it.

Ibn ‘Umar used to say, “A man’s kiss to his wife and his touching her with his hand are connected with sexual intercourse, and anyone who kisses his wife or touches her with his hand must perform ablution.” Malik and Shafi‘i transmitted it.

Ibn Mas'ud used to say, “Ablution is necessary when a man kisses his wife.” Malik transmitted it.

Ibn ‘Umar reported ‘Umar b. al-Khattab as saying, “A kiss is connected with sexual intercourse, so perform ablution on that account.”

‘Umar b. ‘Abd al-‘Aziz told on the authority of Tamim ad-Dari that God’s messenger said, “Ablution must be performed on account of any flow of blood.” Daraqutni transmitted the two traditions, saying that ‘Umar b. ‘Abd al-‘Aziz neither heard from Tamim ad-Dari nor saw him, and that Yazid b. Khalid and Yazid b. Muhammad* are unknown. *These men occur in the isnad.

Abu Ayyub al-Ansari reported God’s messenger as saying, "When you go to the toilet neither face nor turn your back to the qibla [Ka'ba in Mecca], but turn towards the east or the west.” (Bukhari and Muslim.) The shaikh and imam Muhyi as-Sunna said that this tradition applies to the desert, but that in a built-up area it does not matter, on account of what is transmitted from ‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar who said, "I went up to the roof of Hafsa’s house for some purpose and saw God's messenger relieving himself facing Syria, with his back to the qibla.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Salman said, “He (meaning God’s messenger) forbade us to face the qibla when easing ourselves or passing water, or to wipe ourselves with the right hand, or to wipe ourselves with less than three stones, or to wipe ourselves with dung or bone.” Muslim transmitted it.

Anas reported that when God’s messenger entered the privy he used to say, "O God, I seek refuge in Thee from male and female devils.”* *One might be inclined to translate this phrase as "from infidelity and act of disobedience,” but the tradition from Zaid b. Arqam (p. 76) is very explicit, and so the translation above is probably the correct one. PT-2 (12-71.) (Bukhari and Muslim).

Ibn ‘Abbas told that the Prophet (ﷺ) came upon two graves and said, "Their occupants are being punished, but not for a great sin. One of them did not keep himself from being defiled by urine. (A version by Muslim has "did not keep himself undefiled by urine”.) The other went about spreading slander.” He then took a fresh palm branch, split it in two parts, and planted one on each grave. On being asked why he did this, he said, "Perhaps their punishment may be mitigated as long as they remain fresh.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Huraira reported God's messenger as saying, "Guard against the two things which produce cursing.” He was asked what they were and said, "Relieving oneself where people walk, or where they sit in the shade.” Muslim transmitted it.

Abu Qatada reported God’s messenger as saying, "When one of you drinks he must not breathe into the vessel, and when he goes to relieve himself he must not touch his penis with his right hand, or wipe himself with his right hand.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, "When anyone performs ablution he must clear his nose, and when anyone wipes himself with stones he must make use of an odd number.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Anas said, "When God’s messenger entered the privy, a servant and I used to carry a skin of water and a pointed staff, and he would cleanse himself with the water.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Anas said that when the Prophet (ﷺ) entered the privy he took off his ring. Abu Dawud, Nasa’i and Tirmidhi transmitted it. Tirmidhi said this is a hasan sahih gharib tradition, and Abu Dawud said this is a rejected (munkar) tradition. His version has "laid down” instead of "took off".

Jabir said that when the Prophet (ﷺ) wished to relieve himself he went off where no one could see him. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Musa said: One day when I was with the Prophet (ﷺ) he wanted to pass water, so he went to some soft ground at the foot of a wall and did it, after which he said, "When any of you wishes to pass water, he should look for [a place like this] to do it in.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Anas said that when the Prophet (ﷺ) wanted to relieve himself he did not raise his garment till he was near the ground. Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Darimi transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, "I am to you just like a father to his son, for I give you instruction. When you go to relieve yourselves do not face or turn your back to the qibla.” He commanded that three stones be used, he forbade the use of dung and decayed bones, and he forbade that a man should cleanse himself with his right hand. Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it.

‘A'isha said, “God’s messenger used his right hand for his ablution water and his food, and his left hand for his evacuations and anything objectionable.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

She also reported God’s messenger as saying, “When one of you goes to relieve himself he should take with him three stones with which to cleanse himself, for they will be enough for him.” Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i and Darimi transmitted it.

Ibn Mas'ud reported God’s messenger as saying, “Do not cleanse yourselves with excrement or bones, for that is the provision of your brethren among the jinn.” Tirmidhi transmitted it, as also Nasa'i, but he did not mention “the provision of your brethren among the jinn.”

Ruwaifi' b. Thabit told that God’s messenger said to him, “You may live for a long time after I am gone, Ruwaifi', so tell people that if anyone ties his beard, or wears round his neck a string to ward off the evil eye, or cleanses himself with animal dung or bone, Muhammad has nothing to do with him. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “If anyone applies collyrium he should do it an odd number of times. If one does so he has done well, but if not, there is no harm. If anyone cleanses himself with stones he should make use of an odd number. If one does so he has done well, but if not, there is no harm. If anyone eats he should throw away what he removes with a toothpick and swallow what he removes with his tongue. If one does so he has done well, but if not, there is no harm. If one goes to relieve himself he should conceal himself, and if all he can do is to collect a heap of sand he should sit with his back to it, for the devil makes sport with the posteriors of the children of Adam. If one does so he has done well, but if not, there is no harm.” Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it.

'Abdullah b. Mughaffal reported God's messenger as saying, “No one must pass water where he bathes and then wash in it or perform ablution in it, for all evil promptings come from it.” Abu Dawud transmitted it, as did Tirmidhi and Nasa’i, but they did not mention “then wash in it or perform ablution in it”.

'Abdullah b. Sarjis reported God’s messenger as saying, "None of you must pass water in a [snake's] hole". Abu Dawud and Nasa'i transmitted it.

Mu'adh reported God's messenger as saying, "Guard against the three things which produce cursing: relieving oneself in watering-places, in the middle of the road, and in the shade.” Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Abu Sa'id reported God’s messenger as saying, "Two people should not go together to relieve themselves and uncover their private parts and talk, for God is angry with that.” Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Zaid b. Arqam reported God's messenger as saying, "These privies are peopled by jinn and devils, so when one of you goes there he should say, ‘I seek refuge in God from male and female devils.” Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

‘Ali reported God’s messenger as saying, "The covering between the eyes of the jinn and the private parts of the children of Adam when one of them enters the privy is provided by his saying, ‘In the name of God.’” Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying that this is a gharib tradition and that its isnad is not strong.

‘A'isha told that when the Prophet (ﷺ) came out from the privy he said, "Grant Thy forgiveness.” Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it.

Abu Huraira said, "When the Prophet (ﷺ) went to the privy I brought him water in a small vessel or a skin and he cleaned himself, after which he wiped his hand on the ground. I then brought him another vessel and he performed ablution.” Abu Dawud transmitted it, and Darimi and Nasa’i transmitted something similar.

Al-Hakam b. Sufyan said that when the Prophet (ﷺ) passed water he performed ablution and sprinkled his penis. Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.

Umaima daughter of Ruqaiqa said that the Prophet (ﷺ) had a wooden vessel under his bed in which he passed water at night. Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.

‘Umar said: The Prophet (ﷺ) saw me standing and passing water and said, "‘Umar, do not pass water standing." So I never did it again. Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it. The shaikh and imam Muhyi as-Sunna has given a sound tradition from Hudhaifa who said that the Prophet (ﷺ) came to a midden and passed water standing. (Bukhari and Muslim.) It is said that that had a valid reason.

‘A'isha said, “If anyone tells you that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to pass water standing, do not believe him. He never passed water but when sitting.” Ahmad, Tirmidhi, and Nasa’i transmitted it.

Zaid b. Haritha reported on the Prophet’s authority that when he first received inspiration Gabriel came to him and taught him the ablution and the prayer. When he finished the ablution he took a handful of water and sprinkled his private parts with it. Ahmad and Daraqutni transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying that Gabriel came to him and said, “When you perform ablution, Muhammad, sprinkle yourself.” Tirmidhi transmitted it and said, “This is a gharib tradition, and I heard Muhammad (i.e. Bukhari) say that the traditions of al-Hasan b. ‘Ali al-Hashimi the transmitter are rejected.”

‘A'isha told of God’s messenger passing water and ‘Umar standing behind him with a jug of water. He said, “What is this, ‘Umar?” He replied, “Water for you to perform ablution with.” He said, “I have not been commanded to perform ablution every time I pass water. If I were to do so it would become a sunna” Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Abu Ayyub, Jabir and Anas said that when this verse came down, “In it are men who love to be purified, and God loves those who purify themselves,”* God’s messenger said, “God has praised you Ansar for purification. What does your purification consist of?” They replied, “We perform ablution for prayer, wash after seminal emission, and cleanse ourselves with water.” He said, “That is it, so keep on doing it.” *1. Qur'an, ix, 108. Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Salman said that a polytheist jestingly remarked, “I see that your friend teaches you even about your excrement,” to which he replied, “Yes, he has commanded us not to face the qibla, or cleanse ourselves with our right hands, or be satisfied with less than three stones among which there is no dung or bone.” Muslim and Ahmad transmitted it, the wording being Ahmad’s.

‘Abd ar-Rahman b. Hasana said: God’s messenger came out to us with a leather shield in his hand. He laid it down, then sat and passed water facing it. Someone said, “Look at him passing water as a woman does.” The Prophet (ﷺ) heard him and said, “Woe to you! Do you not know what befell the ruler of the B. Isra'il? When any urine fell on them they cut it off with scissors; but he forbade them and was punished in his grave.” Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it, and Nasa’i transmitted it from ‘Abd ar-Rahman from Abu Musa.

Marwan al-Asfar said: I saw Ibn ‘Umar make his camel kneel facing the qibla, then sit down and pass water in its direction, so I said, “Abu ‘Abd ar-Rahman, [Ibn ‘Umar's kunya] has this not been forbidden?” He replied, “No, that was forbidden only in open country; but when there is something between you and the qibla to conceal you, there is no harm.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Anas reported that when the Prophet (ﷺ) came out of the privy he said, “Praise be to God who has removed harm from me and kept me in health.” Ibn Majah transmitted it.

Ibn Mas'ud told that when the deputation of the jinn came to the Prophet (ﷺ) that said, “Messenger of God, forbid your people to cleanse themselves with bone, animal dung, or charcoal, for in them God has provided provision for us.” So God’s messenger forbade them to do that. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Abu Huraira reported God's messenger as saying, “Were it not that I might distress my people, I would order them to delay the evening prayer and use the tooth stick at every time of prayer.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Shuraih b. Hani’ said that he asked ‘A'isha what God’s messenger did first when he entered his house, and she replied that he used the tooth-stick. Muslim transmitted it.

Hudhaifa said that when the Prophet (ﷺ) got up to pray during the night he cleansed his mouth with the tooth-stick. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

‘A'isha reported God’s messenger as saying, “Ten characteristics belong to the religion of Islam: clipping the moustache, letting the beard grow, using the tooth-stick, snuffing up water, cutting the nails, washing the finger joints, plucking the hair under the armpits, shaving the pubes, and intiqas, i.e. cleansing oneself with water.” The narrator said, “I have forgotten the tenth, but it may have been rinsing the mouth.” Muslim transmitted it. A version substitutes circumcision for letting the beard grow. I have not found this version in the two Sahihs or in al-Humaidi’s book [Al-jam’ bain as-sahihain], but the author of the Jami‘ [Ibn al-Athir, author of Jami' al-usul] mentioned it. as did al-Khattabi in Ma'alim as-sunan* from Abu Dawud by the transmission of ‘Ammar b. Yasir. *Brockelmann, Geschichte ae arabischen Litteratur, Supp., I, 267, 275, calls this work Ma'alim as-sunna, but the title given above is more likely to be correct, as it is a commentary on Abu Dawud’s Sunan.

‘A'isha reported God’s messenger as saying, “The tooth-stick is a means of purifying the mouth, and is pleasing to the Lord.” Shafi‘i, Ahmad, Darimi and Nasa’i transmitted it, and Bukhari transmitted it in his Sahih without an isnad.

Abu Ayyub reported God’s messenger as saying, “Four characteristics pertain to the practices of the messengers: modesty (but some say circumcision), the use of perfume, the use of the tooth-stick, and marriage.” Tirmidhi transmitted it.

‘A'isha said that the Prophet (ﷺ) did not awake after sleeping by night or by day without using the tooth-stick before performing ablution. Ahmad and Abu Dawud transmitted it.

She also said, “The Prophet (ﷺ) was accustomed to use the tooth-stick and then give it to me to wash it. I would first use it myself, then wash it and hand it to him.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Ibn ‘Umar reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying, “I had a dream in which I was using a tooth-stick, when two men, one older than the other, came to me. I handed the tooth-stick to the younger of the two and was told to respect the senior, so I handed it to the older.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Umama reported God’s messenger as saying, “Gabriel never came to me without ordering me to use the tooth-stick, with the result that I have been afraid of chafing the front of my mouth.” Ahmad transmitted it.

Anas reported God’s messenger as saying, “I have said much to you about the tooth-stick.” Bukhari transmitted it.

‘A'isha said that God’s messenger was using the tooth-stick when two men, one older than the other, were with him. A revelation came to him about the excellence of the tooth-stick in which he was told to show proper respect, and give it to the older of the two. Abu Dawud transmitted it.

She reported God’s messenger as saying, “The prayer before which the tooth-stick is used is seventy times more excellent than that before which it is not used.” Baihaqi transmitted it in the Shu'ab al-iman.

Abu Salama reported Zaid b. Khalid al-Juhani as saying: I heard God's messenger say, “Were it not that I would distress my people, I would order them to use the tooth-stick before every prayer, and I would postpone the evening prayer till a third of the night had passed.” He said that Zaid b. Khalid used to attend the prayers in the mosque with his tooth-stick on his ear where a clerk carries a pen, and did not get up to pray without using it, after which he put it back in its place. Tirmidhi transmitted it, and also Abu Dawud, but he did not mention, “I would postpone the evening prayer till a third of the night had passed.” Tirmidhi said that this is a hasan sahih tradition.

Abu Huraira reported God's messenger as saying, “When one of you awakes from sleep he must not dip his hand in the vessel till he has washed it three times, for he does not know where his hand was during the night.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)