The Inner Light of Wudu (Ghurran Muhajjilin)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described a remarkable scene from the Day of Judgment: believers will appear with radiant faces and glowing limbs — a result of their wudu performed in this world. This state is referred to in the hadith as “Ghurran Muhajjilin.”

This radiance is not just a physical glow; it symbolizes the inner purity that comes from conscious worship and spiritual awareness. Abu Hurairah (R.A.) once demonstrated the proper method of wudu on the rooftop of Masjid al-Nabawi, reminding a companion of the Prophet’s words:

“My Ummah will be called on the Day of Judgment with their faces, hands, and feet shining from the traces of wudu. So whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 136, Muslim 246)

This brilliance, is not just due to the physical act of washing limbs — it is symbolic of inner purification, deep reflection (tafakkur), conscious understanding (tadabbur), and spiritual growth (tazkiyah).

Wudu, though simple in action, becomes meaningful when performed with intention and awareness. It is a gateway to inner transformation — not merely a ritual, but a du’a in motion.

This hadith encourages clarity of thought and the cleansing of our inner world — not just our limbs. Those whose minds are purified from confusion, false ideologies, and narrow group-based thinking, and whose hearts are filled with sincere intention and truth — they are the ones who will be raised with radiant faces.

Today, many Muslims are deeply engaged in milli (communal or political) issues, convinced they are serving Islam—yet their efforts often lack the clarity of divine purpose.

As Maulana Wahiduddin Khan often reminded, the true work of a believer is not to fight battles of identity, but to engage in spiritual awakening and dawah, rooted in knowledge and wisdom.

This is the true meaning of Ghurran Muhajjilin — not just shining limbs, but shining souls. Those whose hearts are free from hatred, whose minds are free from confusion, and whose lives are directed toward God’s message — these are the people who will stand on the Day of Judgment with radiant faces.

May Allah make us among them.
May every drop of water in our wudu purify not just our skin — but our soul.
May we live with clarity, humility, and a deep commitment to the mission of guidance.
Ameen.