Commentary on the Hadith Concerning Amount of Water which is Sufficient for Making Ghusl

Praise be to Allah,

 

Narrated Aboo Ja’far: While I and my father were with Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah (R.A), some people were with him, and they asked him about taking a bath. He replied, “A Saa’ of water is sufficient for you.” A man said, “A Saa’ is not sufficient for me.” Jaabir said, “A Saa’ was sufficient for one who had more hair than you and better than you (meaning the Prophet (PBUH).” [i]

And then Jaabir (put on) his garment and led us in the prayer wearing a piece of clothing.”

In another narration: Narrated Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah (R.A): “The Prophet (PBUH) used to pour water three times on his head.”[ii]

 

 

Important Points Derived from the Hadeeth:

 

1. The obligation of performing a Ghusl from al-Janaabah (state of major sexual impurity). This Ghusl is performed by pouring water over the parts of the body and allowing the water to flow over them. If this has been accomplished, the obligation has been fulfilled.

Click here to read the Commentary on the Hadith Concerning Making Ghusl after a Wet Dream

 

2. Ibn Rushd says in his book Bidaayah al-Mujtahid: “This hadeeth is not a proof that it is obligatory to rub (the parts of the body washed in Ghusl) nor is it a proof that it is not obligatory.”

 

3. The Saa’ – which is equivalent to four Amdaad [and one Mudd is equal to the amount held by cupping the two hands together] – is sufficient for the Ghusl from al-Janaabah. Ibn Daqeeq al-Eid said: “This is not meant to limit the amount of water used to this exact amount. The authentic ahaadeeth have indicated varying amounts (of water to be used for Ghusl). The reason for this – and Allah Knows Best – is due to the difference in times and circumstances, such as the available water is limited or plentiful, or the person being on a journey or at home.”

 

4. That it is commendable (Mustahabb) to reduce the amount of water used for purification.

 

5. That whoever opposes or contradicts the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) should be reprimanded or rebuked.

 

6. The permissibility of praying in one clothing when the sufficient covering is obtained by it, even if he is an Imam.

Click here to know Is it obligatory to cover the shoulders in prayer for men?

7. The legitimacy of pouring water over the head three times when making Ghusl.

Click here to read the commentary on the Hadith of Making Ghusl from al-Janabaah

 

Allah Knows Best.

Copied from Sources:

Arousing the Intellects with the Explanation of Umdatul Ahkaam. The Book Of At-Taharaah by Allama Sheikh Salih Ibn Uthaymeen (May Allah have mercy on him). page  94

Tayseer al-Allaam Sharh Umdatul-Ahkaam by Shaykh Abdullah ibn Abdur – Rahmaan Aal Bassaam. Page 72

[i] Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 1, Book 5, Hadeeth Number 252, p. 189

[ii] Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 1, Book 5, Hadeeth Number 255, p. 190