Importance of Wuduh/Ablution

Narrated Nu’am Al-Mujmir (رضى الله عنه): Once I went up the roof of the mosque along with Abu Huraira. He performed ablution and said: I heard the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) saying, “Indeed, on the Day of Resurrection, my followers will be distinguished by the radiant traces of their ablution so whoever can increase his radiance should do so.” [Sahih Bukhari, Book 4, Number 138]

Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "When the Muslim - or believing - slave does wudu' and washes his face, every wrong thing at which his eyes have looked leaves with the water - or with the last drop of water. When he washes his hands, every wrong thing which his hands have touched leaves with the water - or with the last drop of water. When he washes his feet. every wrong thing to which his feet have walked leaves with the water or with the last drop of water, until he emerges cleansed of sins." [Muslim]

'Uthman ibn 'Affan reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Anyone who does wudu' and does it well, his mistakes leave his body, even from under his nails." [Muslim]

This hadith informs us of the fantastic blessings of Wudhu. Wudhu is a means of purification of the body as well as of the soul. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) in His mercy has made clearing ourselves of our sins as simple as washing off dirt. Wudhu removes minor sins, provided that these sins are not related to the rights of people. Sins which result from harming another person are only forgiven by either compensating the aggrieved, obtaining his or her forgiveness, or praying sincerely for him/her.