penis before mentioning ablution, and the basic principle is that what is mentioned first comes first. (1) This is also indicated by the Prophet’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him, when he approached Safa: “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah”; “I begin with what Allah began with.” (2) However, this narration in Muslim is contradicted by the narration in al-Bukhari and Muslim, in which he said: “Perform ablution and sprinkle water over your private part.” (3) Outwardly, the two reports appear contradictory, because one of them mentions first what the other mentions later.

They may be reconciled by saying that the conjunction “and” does not necessarily indicate sequence.

As for the narration of al-Nasa’i, “He should wash his penis, then perform ablution,” (4) it explicitly indicates sequence. Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on him, stated that its chain is disconnected, and a disconnection weakens a hadith; therefore, it cannot be used as evidence.

For this reason, two narrations are reported from Imam Ahmad regarding this issue: (5)

The first is that ablution and dry ablution are valid before post-relief cleansing.

The second is that they are not valid, and this is the established position of the school.