—one that your body finds agreeable—then the better choice is to use the warm water, for it is gentler and easier. Likewise, if you have the option of performing ḥajj by automobile or by camel, and the automobile is the easier means, then making the pilgrimage by automobile is preferable.

The point is that whatever is easier is superior so long as it is not sinful, for the Mother of the Believers ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was never given a choice between two matters without choosing the easier of them, provided it involved no sin.”

If, however, an act of worship cannot be accomplished except with hardship, and that hardship does not exempt you from the act, then doing it despite the hardship only increases your reward. Perfecting the ablution under trying conditions is one of the deeds by which Allah raises ranks and erases sins. Still, deliberately choosing the harder course when the easier is available is contrary to what is best; the better way is to follow the easier option in all things.

Look at fasting. The Prophet ﷺ said, “People will remain in good condition so long as they hasten to break the fast,” and in another report, “and they delay the pre-dawn meal.” Why? Because postponing the pre-dawn meal better fortifies a person for the fast than taking it early, and hastening to break the fast is easier and lighter on the soul—especially during long, scorching days.

These and other indications show that the easier way is the better way, so make things easy for