What is the recommended number of washes for the limbs in ablution?
Chapter on the Obligation of Purification
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The number of times a limb is washed can vary, and washing some limbs once and others more is permissible. This is justified because if it is permissible to vary the number for all limbs, it is permissible for some. The narration of Abdullah bin Zayd confirms that the Prophet, peace be upon him, washed his face three times, his hands twice, and wiped his head once. Imam Ahmad stated that one should not exceed three washes, except for a person afflicted with chronic discharge. Ibn al-Mubarak stated that he fears sin for one who exceeds three washes. Al-Nakha'i believed that excessive rigor in ablution is from Satan, suggesting the Companions would have preferred it if it were superior.
Supporting text
Malik did not set a specific limit of one or three, stating that Allah only commanded, 'So wash your faces' (Quran 5:6). Al-Awza'i and Sa'id bin Abd al-Aziz stated that ablution should be done three times for each limb except the feet, which are purified by washing them once. It is reported from Ibn Abbas that the Prophet, peace be upon him, performed ablution once for each part. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, performed ablution twice for each part. Ali reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, performed ablution three times for each part, and this narration is considered the soundest in this chapter by Al-Tirmidhi. A narration from Ibn Umar describes the Prophet performing wudu once, then twice, then three times, stating the three-time method is his way and the way of the Prophets before him.