The Virtue of Perfecting Ablution and the Distinction This Ummah Will Enjoy over All Others on the Day of Resurrection

Nuʿaym al-Mujmir narrated from Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, my ummah will be called on the Day of Resurrection with faces, hands, and feet gleaming with light from the traces of wudu (ablution). So whoever among you can lengthen his radiance (1), let him do so.”

Another wording states: “I saw Abū Hurayrah performing ablution. He washed his face and his arms until he nearly reached the shoulders, then he washed his feet up to the shanks. He then said, ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: “My ummah will be called on the Day of Resurrection with shining faces and luminous limbs from the traces of wudu; so whoever of you can extend his radiance and illumination, let him do so.”’”

In a version recorded by Muslim: “I heard my close companion ﷺ say: ‘The believer’s adornment will reach as far as the water of his ablution reaches.’”

Unfamiliar terms

1. “They will be called” (yudʿawn) – passive verb: they will be summoned in honor and ennoblement.
2. “Ghurra” – plural of agharr; originally the white blaze on a horse’s forehead, here referring to the light on their faces.
3. “Muḥajjalīn” – from taḥjīl, the white markings on a horse’s legs; here it means the light that will appear on those limbs on the Day of Resurrection.
4. “Wudu” – with a ḍamma on the wāw; the act of ritual ablution.
5. “From the traces of wudu” – the source of the radiance on the face and limbs.

Overall meaning
The Prophet ﷺ brings his ummah glad tidings that Allah the Exalted will single them out on the Day of Resurrection with a special mark of honor: before all humanity they will be summoned with their faces, hands, and feet sparkling with light. This radiance is the fruit of performing this noble act of worship—ablution—again and again on those blessed limbs in search of Allah’s pleasure and reward. Their recompense will be this unique, magnificent distinction.