Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Sidi, I’ve been taught that while making wudu, one should remain silent and not talk and converse. What is the hadith behind this? Or is this some form of tradition?
Assalamu alaikum,
It is recommended (mustahabb), or a proper manner (adab) of ritual ablutions to avoid worldly talk without a need that cannot be fulfilled after it [Durr al-Mukhtar, Maraqi].
This was understood from:
a) the practice of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and his companions (Allah be pleased with them), whose ritual ablutions were generally made in silence, except when there was a genuine reason to talk;
b) it is an act of worship, so silence and staidness suits it;
c) it is recommended to supplicate and make dhikr during ritual ablutions and unnecessary worldly speech vitiates this.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani