How Much Water Did Prophet Muhammad Use for Wudu? Find Out Here!
How Much Water Did Prophet Muhammad Use for Wudu? Hi readers! In a number of previous articles, we have discussed wudu. We already know how Prophet Muhammad performed wudu, including which body parts need to be washed and which should be rubbed. In this article, I will explain one aspect of his wudu in more detail: how much water he used for wudu.
I will quote a hadith to illustrate the purpose of our discussion.
Hadith About the Amount of Water Prophet Muhammad Used for Wudu
The hadith that discusses the amount of water Prophet Muhammad used for wudu is as follows:
عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ : كَانَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَتَوَضَّأُ بِالْمُدِّ وَيَغْتَسِلُ بِالصَّاعِ إِلَى خَمْسَةِ أَمَدَادٍ . مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ
From Anas radliyallahu anhu, he said, “The Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam performed wudu using water equivalent to 1 mud and took a bath using 1 sa’ to 5 mud.” This hadith is narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.
How Much Water Did Prophet Muhammad Use for Wudu?
If we understand the hadith above, we can conclude that the water used by Prophet Muhammad for wudu was 1 mud, and the water he used for bathing ranged from 1 sha’ to 5 mud. But what is the amount in liters?
You need to know that 1 mud is equivalent to 0.688 liters (or 0.687 liters), while 1 sha’ is equivalent to 4 mud. Thus, 1 sha’ equals 4 x 0.688 (or 0.687) = 2.75 (or 2.74) liters. Therefore, 1 sha’ to 5 mud equals 2.75 (or 2.74) + 0.688 (or 0.687) = 3.43 (or 3.42) liters. In conclusion, Prophet Muhammad used approximately 0.688 or 0.687 liters of water for wudu. When bathing, he used around 3.43 or 3.42 liters. This conclusion is based on the hadith mentioned above.
Of course, water that is less than 1 liter, specifically 0.688 or 0.687 liters, is not sufficient to wash and wipe all the limbs that must be washed and rubbed during wudu. Thus, the hadith explains that Prophet Muhammad only washed and rubbed the limbs that needed to be washed and wiped during wudu. This practice applies to specific cases, not all situations. The amount of water he used also illustrates how precious water was at that time.
In addition to the above conclusions, if we observe the hadith, we can understand several things:
- One should not overuse water. The amount of water used must be appropriate for the needs.
- The amount of water in the hadith is an estimate for a person whose body is similar to that of Prophet Muhammad. It is not an absolute measurement.
Do you understand? If you don’t, please ask!
I hope this provides a brief explanation of how much water Prophet Muhammad used for wudu. May it be useful! Amen!
See you again in the next article!
Regards,
What I appreciate most about this article is how it breaks down the measurements mentioned in the hadith into modern terms. Understanding that 1 mud equals approximately 0.688 liters, and how that translates to the Prophet's usage of water for wudu, makes the concept far more relatable. The comparison to current water usage habits also sheds light on how mindful the Prophet (peace be upon him) was about conserving resources. This is a lesson we can all benefit from, especially in an age where water is often taken for granted.
Another highlight is how the article emphasizes that the Prophet's use of such a small amount of water wasn't about being restrictive but rather about demonstrating moderation and gratitude for Allah's blessings. It is a powerful reminder that Islam encourages us to use resources responsibly and avoid wastefulness, even in acts of worship. This perspective is something I will be sure to share with my students, as it aligns beautifully with the broader Islamic principle of avoiding extravagance.
The point made about the contextual nature of this practice is also worth noting. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) use of minimal water was specific to certain circumstances, such as the scarcity of water in his time. The author does an excellent job of clarifying that while this practice is a noble example to follow, it doesn't impose an absolute measurement on everyone. This balanced approach prevents misunderstandings and allows for a more nuanced understanding of the hadith.
Overall, I am deeply impressed by the thoroughness and accessibility of this article. It provides not just knowledge but also practical lessons on mindfulness, gratitude, and moderation in worship. Thank you for such an enlightening and well-written piece! I look forward to reading more articles like this in the future. May Allah bless the author for their efforts and make this beneficial for all readers!