Now that you know this, does the hadith indicate that it is recommended to extend the ghurra (brightness of the face) and taḥjīl (brightness of the limbs)?

In our view, if Abu Hurayrah’s opinion—may Allah be pleased with him—is not taken into account, it does not indicate this. For by his words, “the extent of minor ablution,” he clearly meant the prescribed minor ablution. Thus, if such extension is not established in the Sacred Law, it is not permissible to go beyond it, as is evident.

Moreover, even if the hadith did indicate this, it would not indicate washing the upper arm, since this is neither part of the ghurra nor of the taḥjīl. For this reason, Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah Most High have mercy on him, said in Hādī al-Arwāḥ ilā Bilād al-Afrāḥ (1/315–316):

“Those who hold that washing the upper arm and extending the washing of it is recommended have cited this hadith as proof. The correct view is that it is not recommended. This is the position of the people of Medina, and two reports have been related from Ahmad. The hadith does not indicate extension, for adornment is only an ornament on the forearm and wrist, not on the upper arm and shoulder.”

Know that there is another hadith cited as evidence by those who hold that extending the ghurra and taḥjīl is recommended. Its wording is:

“My ummah will come on the Day of Resurrection with radiant faces and limbs from the traces of minor ablution. So whoever among you is able”