What is the ruling on performing more than three washes during ablution?
Chapter on the Obligation of Purification
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Imam Ahmad stated that one should not exceed three washes, except for one afflicted with chronic discharge. Ibn al-Mubarak stated he does not feel safe from the one who increases beyond three washes bearing sin. A narration from a Bedouin asking the Prophet about ablution shows that the Prophet demonstrated it three times and stated, 'This is the ablution; whoever exceeds this has acted wrongly and transgressed.'
Supporting text
Ibrahim Al-Nakha'i considered excessive rigor in ablution to be from Satan, suggesting the Companions of Muhammad would have preferred it if it were a greater virtue.