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In this Hadīth, Laqīt ibn Sabrah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he was his people’s chief delegate to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him). Delegations would usually ask him about matters they found worrisome and confusing. ‘Ā'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) served them some soup and dates. Then, they saw a shepherd with a newly-born ewe. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered him to slaughter a sheep, as he made clear to the delegation that he would not slaughter it specifically for them, lest it might be thought that he went too far and overburdened himself in hosting them. Among other questions, Laqīt (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about how to deal with his impudent wife. He instructed him to give her advice, to which she would listen if she were a good person at all; otherwise, he should divorce her. He also enjoined him not to beat his wife as a slave girl would be beaten. Then, Laqīt asked the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) about ablution and he informed him that it is a duty to perform ablution properly and completely; in other words, each organ should be washed or wiped over duly. He also pointed out the desirability of performing Takhlīl (passing the fingers of one hand through the fingers of the other), which ensures that water reaches all organs designated for ablution. In case the water does not reach between the fingers without Takhlīl, Takhlīl becomes an obligatory element of ablution. In addition, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) recommended snuffing water strongly, unless one is fasting, lest water may reach down his throat. That strong snuffing is only recommended for a non-fasting person is a proof of it being Sunnah, not an obligation.
