Is washing the inside of the eyes a Sunnah (recommended act) during Wudu or Ghusl?
Chapter on Siwak and the Sunnah of Wudu
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Washing the inside of the eyes is not established as a Sunnah during either ablution (Wudu) or ritual bath (Ghusl). This is because the Prophet, peace be upon him, neither performed nor commanded it. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting it is disliked, as narrated concerning Ibn Umar, who suffered visual impairment due to frequently putting water into his eyes; performing an act that risks sight impairment without explicit religious warrant is at least disliked.
Supporting text
Some scholars among our companions suggested it is a Sunnah for Wudu. Al-Qadi stated it is only recommended during Ghusl, a position explicitly held by Ahmad in several contexts, arguing that since Ghusl is more thorough and includes washing beneath the eyelids, the inner eye—being part of the body where washing is possible—should at least be recommended if not obligatory. The stronger position remains that it is not recommended.