Musnad Ahmad — Hadith #44896

Muhammad ibn Ja`far narrated to us, Sa`id narrated to us, on the authority of Qatada, on the authority of Muslim ibn Yasar, on the authority of Hamran ibn Aban, on the authority of Uthman ibn Affan, may God be pleased with him. God said on his authority that he called for water, performed ablution, rinsed his mouth and nose, then washed his face three times, his arms three times, and wiped his head and back. Then he laughed and said to his companions, “Don’t you ask me what made me laugh?” They said, “Why did you laugh, O Commander of the Faithful?” He said, “I saw the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace.” He, peace and blessings be upon him, called for water near this spot and performed ablution just as I did. Then he laughed and said, “Don’t you ask me what I did?” He made me laugh, and they said, “What makes you laugh, O Messenger of God?” He said, “When a servant calls for ablution and washes his face, God removes from him every sin.” If he washes his arms, that is the same, and if he wipes his head, that is the same, and if he purifies his feet, that is the same.