1/48. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 421 — Guarding Against Waswas in Wudu
Concerning moderation in ablution and avoiding extravagance
Hadith About Waswas in Wudu and Water Doubts
Sunan Ibn Majah : 421
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 421
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو دَاوُدَ، حَدَّثَنَا خَارِجَةُ بْنُ مُصْعَبٍ، عَنْ يُونُسَ بْنِ عُبَيْدٍ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ عُتَىِّ بْنِ ضَمْرَةَ السَّعْدِيِّ، عَنْ أُبَىِّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " إِنَّ لِلْوُضُوءِ شَيْطَانًا يُقَالُ لَهُ وَلَهَانُ فَاتَّقُوا وَسْوَاسَ الْمَاءِ " .
Ubayy bin Ka'b Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: 'There is a devil for ablution who is called Walahan, so be on guard against the insinuating thoughts (Waswas) about water.'
[1] Meaning: "That prompt you to waste water."Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 421In-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 155English translation : Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 421
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 421
This Hadith focuses on waswas in wudu, especially doubts linked to water. The Prophet said that there is a devil for ablution called Walahan, and he told believers to be on guard against insinuating thoughts about water. The message is simple: wudu should not become a place of stress, repeated doubt, or overthinking. A person should perform ablution carefully, but not allow whispers to push them into confusion. The Hadith does not give a long ruling list; it gives a warning and a practical mindset. Be alert, stay calm, and do not let water-related doubts disturb your worship.
What we learn from this hadith
- Waswas can affect a person during ablution, especially through doubts about water.
- A believer should be alert and careful without becoming trapped in repeated doubt.
- Wudu should be done with calm attention, not with anxiety or endless repetition.
- The Hadith warns against letting whispers disturb a simple act of worship.
