Introduction

One of the forgotten Sunnahs that carries immense reward is Tahiyyat al-Wuḍūʾ, a two-unit prayer performed after making ablution (wuḍūʾ). This was a habit of Bilāl (RA), which earned him a special mention from the Prophet ﷺ and an elevated status in Jannah.

Beyond this specific prayer, staying in a state of purity at all times is a powerful way to maintain spiritual discipline and bring blessings into one’s life. Scholars such as Ibn al-Qayyim and Shāh Walīullāh al-Dihlawī have emphasized that regular purification is not just an act of worship but a sign of Iḥsān (spiritual excellence), something only the truly fortunate achieve.

Let’s explore the importance of Tahiyyat al-Wuḍūʾ and the virtues of maintaining wuḍūʾ, backed by the words of the Prophet ﷺ and insights from Islamic scholars.

The Forgotten Sunnah: Tahiyyat al-Wuḍūʾ

One morning, the Prophet ﷺ said to Bilāl (RA) at the time of Fajr prayer:

“O Bilāl, tell me about the most hopeful deed you have done in Islam, for I heard the sound of your footsteps ahead of me in Paradise.”

Bilāl (RA) responded:

“I have not done any deed that I regard as more hopeful than this: whenever I performed ablution, at any hour of the night or day, I would pray as much as was written for me to pray with that purification.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī & Muslim)

This hadith highlights the virtue of always being in a state of purity and following it up with the two rakʿahs nafl prayer. It was this habit that gave Bilāl (RA) such a high and lofty position in Jannah.

The Immense Reward of Tahiyyat al-Wuḍūʾ

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever performs ablution (wuḍūʾ) and perfects it, then prays two rakʿahs without becoming distracted, all of his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sunan Abū Dāwūd)

This narration emphasizes the purification of both body and soul—not only does wuḍūʾ remove physical impurities, but when followed by sincere prayer, it becomes a means of complete spiritual cleansing.

The Virtues of Wuḍūʾ

Wuḍūʾ is not just a prerequisite for ṣalāh—it is an act of worship and purification in itself. It has numerous benefits, both in this world and the Hereafter.

1. Wuḍūʾ is a Sign of True Faith

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“No one consistently maintains their wuḍūʾ except a (true) believer.” (Ibn Mājah, 277)

Maintaining wuḍūʾ requires dedication, which is why it is regarded as a mark of strong faith. Those who remain in a state of purity are more conscious of Allah and their actions throughout the day.

2. Wuḍūʾ Wipes Away Sins

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“Whoever performs ablution (wuḍūʾ) and perfects it, his sins leave his body, even from beneath his fingernails.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

This hadith shows that wuḍūʾ is not just about physical cleanliness—it is a means of spiritual purification as well. Scholars explain that this process has multiple dimensions:

• Deep Cleansing of the Soul: Just as wuḍūʾ removes physical impurities, it purifies the soul at its root, making it spiritually pure.
• Resemblance to Angels: Angels are in a constant state of purity—staying in wuḍūʾ brings a person closer to their state.
• Forgetting Worldly Defilements: Wuḍūʾ helps erase sinful and impure states, aiding in spiritual discipline.
• Physical Wuḍūʾ Reflects Inner Purity: Since outer cleanliness is a symbol of inner spiritual purification, its effects extend to the soul.

This is why we should not rush through wuḍūʾ, but rather perform it with care and sincerity.

The Supplications After Wuḍūʾ and Their Virtues

It is recommended to recite the following supplications after completing wuḍūʾ:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone without any partner, and I bear witness that Muḥammad is His servant and messenger.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Additionally, one can add the following supplications from other narrations:

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ التَّوَّابِينَ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ
“O Allah, make me among those who repent, and make me among those who purify themselves.” (Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī)

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ وَحْدَكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ
“Glory be to You, O Allah, and with Your praise. I bear witness that there is no god but You, alone without any partner. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.” (Sunan al-Nasāʾī)

The Immense Reward for Reciting This Supplication

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“No Muslim performs wuḍūʾ, perfects it, then says: أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ, except that the eight gates of Jannah are opened for him, and he may enter through whichever one he wishes.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

The Additional Blessings of Wuḍūʾ

1. Wuḍūʾ Before Sleep Brings Angelic Prayers

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The angel says, ‘O Allah, forgive Your slave, for he went to bed in a state of purity!'” (Ṭabarānī)

Sleeping in a state of wuḍūʾ ensures that angels pray for a person throughout the night, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on their behalf.

2. Being Raised on the Day of Judgment in a State of Purity

Ibn ʿAbbās (RA) advised:

“Ensure that you spend the nights in wuḍūʾ, for the souls will be raised in the condition that they were taken in.” (Fatḥ al-Bārī)

A person who sleeps with wuḍūʾ and passes away will be raised in that condition on the Day of Judgment.

3. Protection from Nightmares and Disturbances

Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar states:

“One who sleeps with wuḍūʾ will see better dreams.” (Fatḥ al-Bārī)

Maintaining wuḍūʾ before sleep serves as a shield against disturbing dreams and negative influences, ensuring a peaceful rest.

Conclusion: Reviving the Sunnah in Our Lives

The practice of remaining in a state of wuḍūʾ, sleeping with wuḍūʾ, and performing two rakʿahs after wuḍūʾ are sunnahs that have largely been forgotten. These acts were beloved to the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, and they carry immense spiritual and physical benefits.

Reviving these Sunnahs in our daily lives allows us to increase in purification, gain closeness to Allah, and follow the example of the righteous before us. Let us strive to reincorporate these forgotten sunnahs into our routines and encourage others to do the same.

May Allah grant us the ability to remain in a state of purity and revive the sunnahs of our beloved Prophet ﷺ. Āmīn.

References:

1. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
2. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
3. Fatḥ al-Bārī (Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī)
4. Minhāj Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (Imām al-Nawawī)
5. Sunan Abū Dāwūd
6. ʿAwn al-Maʿbūd Sharḥ Sunan Abī Dāwūd 
7. Al-Adhkār (Imām al-Nawawī)
8. Ḥujjat Allāh al-Bālighah (Shāh Walīullāh al-Dihlawī)