What is the meaning of the Hadeeth: “Among this Ummah there will be some people who transgress in purification and supplication?".

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr said that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, passed by Sa‘d while he was performing ablution, and said, "What is this exaggeration (in the use of water for ablution), O Sa‘d?" He said, "Is there exaggeration in (the use of water for) ablution?" He said, "Yes, even if you are at a flowing river." [Ahmad and Ibn Maajah]

Although this Hadeeth is Dha‘eef (weak), scholars unanimously agreed that exaggeration in the use of water is prohibited. Imaam An-Nawawi said in his explanation of Saheeh Muslim:  “Scholars unanimously agreed that exaggeration in the use of water is prohibited even if one is at the sea shore."

Furthermore, Ibn Abi Zayd Al-Qayrawaani said: exaggeration in it (i.e. the use of water) is a kind of transgression and a Bid‘ah.

Exaggeration in the use of water is through exceeding three handfuls of water and through exceeding the reasonable manner for purification, to the extent of being like the person affected by the whispers of the devil.

Transgression in making supplication is done by exceeding its limits using it for something that is not permissible under Sharee‘ah or traditions, or by raising one's voice and shouting while calling on Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He Does not Like transgressors.} [Quran 7:55] It has also been said that it is also done by asking the ranks of the Prophets, may Allaah Exalt their mention, or exaggerating in the use of rhymed sentences in making supplication.

As a matter of fact, transgression in making supplication includes all such things for it was narrated that ‘Abdullah ibn Mughaffal heard his son say: “O Allaah, I ask You the white palace on the right side of Paradise if I enter it.” He said: “O my son, ask Allaah for Paradise and seek refuge in Him from Hell, for I heard the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, saying: “Among this Ummah there will be people who transgress in purification and making supplication.” [Abu Daawood]

It was narrated in Al-Musnad that Sa‘d heard one of his sons saying: “O Allaah, I ask You for Paradise, its bliss, its brocade and the like of this; and I seek refuge in You from Hell, its chains and its shackles. Then he (i.e. Sa‘d) said: “You have asked Allaah for a lot of goodness and you have sought refuge in Him from a lot of evil I heard the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, say: “There will be people who transgress in making supplication” and he read this verse,  {Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He Does not Like transgressors.} [Quran 7:55] It will be sufficient for you to say: O Allaah, I ask You for Paradise and all words and actions that will bring me closer to it; and I seek refuge in You from Hell and all words and actions that will bring me closer to it.

In conclusion, supplication is the essence of worship and purity is half of faith and the religion of Islam establishes the principles of balance and moderation that includes neither exaggeration nor negligence.

Allaah Knows best.