What is Mudd in Islam? A Complete Guide 2025

The Mudd: An Essential Prophetic Measure 🌙

The Mudd (المُدّ) is an Islamic unit of measurement used by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It is a container whose volume corresponds to two cupped hands of an average man , or approximately 0.75 liters. This prophetic measure, although largely forgotten today, played a central role in the daily life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions.

In a world where we constantly strive to draw closer to the Sunnah, the Mudd represents a concrete and practical opportunity to follow the Prophet's ﷺ example in our daily actions. Whether for ablutions, Zakat al-Fitr, or even in the kitchen, this humble vessel carries within it an immense spiritual and practical legacy.

📖 Origin and Authenticity of Mudd in Islamic Sources

The Mudd is mentioned in numerous authentic hadiths narrated by the greatest compilers of the prophetic tradition. These sources allow us to understand the importance of this measurement in the religious practice and daily life of the early Muslims.

Authentic Hadiths on the Mudd

"The Prophet ﷺ performed his ablutions with a Mudd and his ghusl (major ablution) with a Saa' (equivalent to 4 Mudds)."
— Narrated by Anas ibn Malik, Sahih al-Bukhari 201, Sahih Muslim 325

This hadith, narrated by one of the Prophet's ﷺ closest companions, clearly establishes the use of mudd in daily ablutions. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), who served the Prophet ﷺ for ten years in Medina, was a direct witness to his most intimate practices. His testimony is therefore invaluable.

"The Prophet ﷺ prescribed Zakat al-Fitr of one Saa' of dates or one Saa' of barley for every Muslim, free or slave, male or female, young or old."
— Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar, Sahih al-Bukhari 1503

Given that one Saa' is equivalent to 4 Mudds, this prophetic prescription makes the Mudd the basic unit for calculating Zakat al-Fitr, the obligatory alms at the end of Ramadan that every Muslim must pay.

The Mudd in the Life of the Prophet ﷺ

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not use mud only out of necessity or lack of resources. In Medina, water was readily available, particularly from wells and springs. His use of mud was a deliberate choice that teaches us several fundamental lessons:

🌟 Moderation (Al-Wasatiyyah) : Islam is the path of the middle way
💚 Respect for resources : Do not waste what Allah has given us
📚 Teaching by example : Show rather than just tell
🤲 Simplicity : Being content with what is necessary

💧 The Mudd for Ablutions: A Lesson in Water Conservation

The use of Mudd for ablutions teaches us several important lessons about moderation and respect for natural resources, principles more relevant than ever in our time.

The Prophetic Practice of Ablutions

According to authentic hadiths, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed his ablutions with only one mudd of water , or approximately 0.75 liters. To put this into perspective with our modern practices:

Method of Ablutions	Quantity of Water	Economy vs. Mudd
Prophetic Mudd	0.75 liters	Reference
The tap is closed between each step.	2-3 liters	-67% to -75%
Tap moderately open	5-8 liters	-85% to -90%
Continuously running tap	10-15 liters	-93% to -95%

The Lessons of this Practice

This water conservation was not due to a shortage or constraint, but reflected several fundamental Islamic principles that we must understand and apply.

1. ✅ Moderation (Al-Wasatiyyah)

Islam teaches the path of moderation in all aspects of life. Allah says in the Quran:

"And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor stingy, but keep to the middle path."
— Surah Al-Furqan (25:67)

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

"Don't waste water, even if you're by a river."
— Reported by Ibn Majah 425

This hadith is particularly striking: even in situations of total abundance, wastefulness remains forbidden. It is a principle, not a constraint linked to circumstances.

2. 🌍 Respect for the Environment and Resources

By using only what was necessary, the Prophet ﷺ taught us respect for natural resources, a principle that is extremely relevant today. Islam teaches us that we are the caliphs (guardians) of the Earth, responsible for its preservation.

3. 📚 Education by Example

By practicing this water conservation himself, the Prophet ﷺ set a concrete example for all future generations to follow. He did not merely recommend water conservation; he embodied it in his daily life.

4. 🌟 Multiplication of Rewards

Every act of worship performed according to the Sunnah has its rewards multiplied. By performing your ablutions with a Mudd, you are not only purifying yourself: you are following the exact example of the Prophet ﷺ, which multiplies your good deeds.

🌾 The Mudd for Zakat al-Fitr: Measuring with Precision

Zakat al-Fitr, the obligatory alms given at the end of Ramadan, is calculated in Sa' , which is equivalent to 4 Mudds of basic food. This prophetic precept makes the Mudd an indispensable tool for any Muslim concerned with properly fulfilling their religious obligations.

Why Measure in Mudds?

Measuring by volume (mudds) rather than by weight has several advantages:

✅ Universality : Accessible to all, even without scales
✅ Simplicity : Easy to understand and apply
✅ Authenticity : This is the exact prophetic method
✅ Accuracy : Avoids conversion errors

Table of Equivalencies According to Foods

Here is a detailed table to help you calculate your Zakat al-Fitr accurately:

Food	Volume (1 Saa' = 4 Mudds)	Approximate Weight	Average Price (France)
Dates	3.0 liters	2.5 kg	15-25 €
Wheat	3.0 liters	2.8 kg	5-8 €
Barley	3.0 liters	2.3 kg	4-6 €
Rice	3.0 liters	2.4 kg	6-10 €
Raisins	3.0 liters	2.0 kg	12-18 €
Powdered milk	3.0 liters	1.8 kg	15-20 €

Important note : These weights are approximate as they vary depending on the density and quality of each food. Therefore, measuring by volume (mudds) is more reliable and accurate.

Advantages of Using an Authentic Mudd for Zakat

✅ Accurately measure your Zakat al-Fitr without scales
✅ Follow the Prophetic Sunnah in your religious calculations
✅ Avoid conversion and estimation errors
✅ Teach your children this authentic practice
✅ Earn good deeds by reviving a forgotten Sunnah
✅ To be certain of fulfilling one's obligation correctly

📿 Other Uses of Mudd in Islamic Practice

Beyond ablutions and Zakat, Mudd has many other applications in the life of a practicing Muslim.

1. Fidya (Fast Compensation)

For those who cannot fast for valid and permanent reasons (chronic illness, old age), the compensation (fidya) is calculated in Mudds of food to be given to the poor for each day not fasted.

Calculation : 1 Mudd of food per day not fasting, which is about 0.75 liters of rice, wheat or dates.

2. Kaffarah (Expiation)

Some religious expiations require feeding the poor with quantities measured in Mudds. For example, the kaffarah for breaking an oath involves feeding 10 poor people.

3. La Barakah en Cuisine 🍲

Using the Mudd to measure ingredients in cooking (rice, flour, legumes, semolina) brings prophetic blessing (barakah) to your preparations. It's a simple and practical way to integrate the Sunnah into your daily life.

Examples of use :

🍚 Measure the rice for family couscous
🌾 Measuring flour for homemade bread
🫘 Quantify the lentils for the soup
🥣 Prepare the semolina for breakfast

4. Children's Education 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

The Mudd is an excellent educational tool for teaching children:

📚 The practices of the Prophet ﷺ
🧮 Religious calculations (Zakat, Fidya)
💧 The importance of water conservation
🌍 Respect for the environment in Islam

🛡️ Why is Mudd a Forgotten Sunnah?

Despite its importance in the life of the Prophet ﷺ and its practical uses, the Mudd is now largely unknown to the majority of Muslims. Several factors explain this gradual neglect.

Historical and Contemporary Reasons

❌ General lack of awareness : Few Muslims, even practicing ones, are aware of the existence of the Mudd
❌ Lack of generational transmission : The practice has not been passed down from parents to children
❌ Modernization of measurements : Modern measurements (liters, kilograms) have replaced traditional measurements
❌ Lack of access : Difficulty in finding authentic Mudds, especially in the West
❌ Insufficient religious education : Religion classes do not always address this practical aspect
❌ Urbanization : Loss of connection with traditional and rural practices
❌ Apparent ease : The tap seems more practical than the Mudd

The Consequences of this Oversight

This oversight has multiple consequences:

💧 Massive water waste : Millions of liters wasted every day
📚 Loss of a Sunnah : Departure from prophetic practice
💰 High costs : Large water bills for mosques
🌍 Environmental impact : Contribution to the water crisis
⚖️ Calculation errors : Zakat al-Fitr incorrectly calculated

The Importance of Reviving this Sunnah

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever revives one of my Sunnahs that was abandoned after me will have the reward of those who practice it, without their reward being diminished in any way."
— Reported by At-Tirmidhi 2677, hasan hadith

This hadith shows us the immense reward awaiting those who revive a forgotten Sunnah. By using the Mudd, you:

🌟 Revive a forgotten Sunnah and earn immense rewards
🤲 Follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ in your daily life
💚 Save precious resources (water, food)
📚 Educate your family on authentic Islamic traditions
🌍 Contribute to the preservation of Islamic heritage
👥 Inspire your community by your example

🇫🇷 Le Mudd By Madinah: Authenticity and French Quality

At By Madinah , we have created an authentic Mudd that scrupulously respects Islamic measurements while offering the quality and durability expected of a product made in France.

Our Mission

To make this forgotten Sunnah accessible to all French-speaking Muslims by offering a product:

✅ Authentic : Conforms to Islamic sources
✅ High quality : Made according to French standards
✅ Durable : Designed to last for years
✅ Educational : Includes information on its use
✅ Affordable : Fair prices for all budgets

Our Quality Commitments

✅ Authentic measurements : 0.75 liters based on verified Islamic sources
✅ Safe materials : BPA-free, suitable for food contact and water
✅ Made in France : Designed and produced in France
✅ Durability : Impact and wear-resistant material
✅ Elegant design : 5 colors inspired by Islam (Ichaa Grey, Pure White, Madinah Green, Fajr Blue, Maghrib Pink)
✅ Ease of use : Ergonomic handle, visible graduations
✅ Easy care : Dishwasher safe

Discover our Mudd Nabawi →

🕌 For Mosques and Associations

We also offer a Mosque Pack of 10 Mudds specially designed to equip ablution rooms:

Package Contents

📦 10 Authentic Mudds to Equip a Complete Ablution Room
🏷️ Explanatory stickers to stick on the Mudds (French/Arabic)
📊 2 A3 educational posters on the Sunnah of the Mudd
📖 User guide for worshippers
💰 40% discount for mosques and associations
♻️ Reduced packaging to limit waste

Impact for Your Mosque

Profit	Estimated Annual Impact
💧 Water conservation	Up to 80% off
💰 Financial Economics	Several thousand euros
📚 Educated faithful	Hundreds of people made aware
🌍 Environmental impact	Significant reduction in carbon footprint
🌟 Radiance	Exemplary mosque in accordance with the Sunnah

📚 Conclusion: Integrate Mudd into Your Daily Life

The Mudd is not just a historical vessel or a museum object: it is a living prophetic legacy that reconnects us to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and guides us towards a more balanced, conscious and blessed life.

The Concrete Benefits of Mudd

By incorporating Mudd into your daily routine, you will:

🤲 Follow the concrete example of the best of men , the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
💧 Save thousands of liters of water each year (7,756 liters/year per person)
🌾 Calculate your Zakat al-Fitr precisely according to the prophetic method
📖 Pass on an authentic tradition to your children and grandchildren
🌟 Earn immense rewards by reviving a forgotten Sunnah
💰 Reduce your water bills significantly
🌍 Participate in the preservation of our planet
🕌 Inspire your community by your example

How to Begin?

🛒 Get an authentic Mudd from our shop
📚 Learn how to use it for ablutions and Zakat
🎯 Start gradually : one ablution per day at first
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Involve your family in this beautiful practice
🕌 Share with your mosque to equip the ablution room
📱 Raise awareness among your friends and family on social media

May Allah make it easy for us to follow the Sunnah of His Prophet ﷺ and count us among those who revive His teachings. May He accept our efforts and multiply our rewards. Ameen 🤲

Explore our complete collection of Mudds →

Discover the complete Sunnah Pack (Mudd + Sadaqsa Money Box) →

What is Mudd in Islam? A Complete Guide to this Forgotten Sunnah