On one occasion, Sayyiduna Abu Moosa Ash‘ari (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) brought water to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for him to perform wudhu. While Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was performing wudhu, Sayyiduna Abu Moosa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) heard him recite the following du‘aa:

اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ ذَنْبِيْ وَوَسِّعْ لِيْ فِيْ دَارِيْ وَبَارِكْ لِيْ فِيْ رِزْقِيْ

“O Allah, forgive my sins, grant me spaciousness in my home and bless me with barakah in my sustenance.”

When Sayyiduna Abu Moosa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that he had heard him reciting this du‘aa, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Has this du‘aa left out any goodness? (i.e. it contains the goodness of this world and the next within it.)” (Musannaf Ibni Abi Shaibah #30004 and As-Sunanul Kubraa – Nasaai #9908)

There are many virtues of wudhu reported in the blessed ahaadeeth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However, in many ahaadeeth, acquiring the complete virtue and benefit is conditional upon one performing the wudhu in an excellent manner. For example, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who performs wudhu, and does it in an excellent manner, his (minor) sins are removed (and washed away) from his body to the extent that they fall off from beneath his nails.” (Saheeh Muslim #578)

In this regard, we must bear in mind that in order for one’s wudhu to be perfect, so that one may acquire the complete virtue and benefit, one should ensure that one fulfils the various sunnats and mustahab actions of wudhu, as well as recites the sunnah du‘aas of wudhu – such as the du‘aa mentioned above.

This du‘aa consists of three parts. Through reciting the first part, one is begging Allah Ta‘ala to forgive his sins. Hence, at the time of reciting this, we should make the intention of taubah and should recite it with the frame of mind that we are repenting for all our sins. In this manner, our wudhu will not only cleanse our external limbs of dirt – it will also cleanse our hearts and limbs from sins, thus removing the spiritual barriers that obstruct our progress in reaching Allah Ta‘ala.

Through reciting the second portion, we are asking Allah Ta‘ala to grant us spaciousness in our homes. In this regard, we should understand that ‘spaciousness’ does not have to refer to the home being a mansion of palatial proportions – rather it means that a person will perceive happiness, peace and tranquillity in his home instead of feeling constrained and miserable. Hence, if Allah Ta‘ala blesses a person with spaciousness in his home, then even if he is dwelling in a small hut, he will feel happy and content, whereas without this blessing of spaciousness from Allah Ta‘ala, even a palace will be uncomfortable.

The third portion of the du‘aa is a supplication for barakah (divine blessings) in one’s wealth. When a person is bestowed with barakah in his wealth, then he will easily acquire the outcome that he wishes from his wealth. For example, if a person has abundant wealth but no barakah, then the purpose of the wealth – which is to fulfil one’s needs – will not be fulfilled. Conversely, if a person possesses a small amount of wealth, but Allah Ta‘ala has blessed him with barakah, then this small amount will go a long away in fulfilling his needs.

Hence, this du‘aa, though short and concise, is most comprehensive and beneficial as it addresses our needs in this world and the next.

It should be noted that together with reciting this du‘aa during the wudhu, it may also be recited before and after the wudhu as well. Furthermore, it is also reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) recited this du‘aa after salaah, so we should try to recite it at that time as well. (See here for reference)

May Allah Ta‘ala forgive our sins, grant us spaciousness in our homes, and barakah in our sustenance, aameen.