The Meaning of the Hadith: Do Not Be Excessive in Water, Even If You Are on a Frozen River

Question:
What is the authenticity of the hadith: "Do not be excessive in water, even if you are on a frozen river"?

Answer:
Its meaning is that sincerity in worship does not permit excess; worship is about moderation and balance. This includes ritual purity. It is not permissible for one who is performing wudu to immerse himself in water, because this means adding to the worship. Adding to the worship is prohibited. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform wudu with a mudd, which is a quarter of a sa', and he used to perform ghusl with a sa', meaning his complete ghusl from head to toe was one sa' of water. As for his wudu, it was a mudd, meaning a quarter of a sa'. A narration states that once he performed wudu with two-thirds of a mudd. This is evidence against wasting water and being extravagant in its use. This constitutes adding to the worship, and adding to the worship is not permissible. Yes.