The Questioner: The ḥadīth of Aws ibn Abī Aws, [that mentions that] the Prophet ﷺ made wuḍūʾ and istawkafa three times…” As reported by al-Nasāʾī, is this ḥadīth authentic?¹
Shaykh Muqbil: We have researched and examined its chain [of narration], and the apparent in regard to its chain indicates that it is acceptable and suitable as a ḥujjah (proof). Within it is ʿAmr ibn Aws, he who was praised by Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, and he was mentioned by Ibn Ḥibbān to be among the trustworthy.
For the praise of Abū Hurayrah is sufficient enough for the acceptance of his narrations; thus, what appears is that the ḥadīth is suitable a ḥujjah. And its meaning aligns with the other aḥādīth that he had made wuḍūʾ three times each, and the widespread aḥādīth that mention that the Prophet ﷺ made and performed isbāgh al-wuḍūʾ (meaning, he would make and perform wuḍūʾ completely and throughly), and those that are narrated regarding the viritue of perfecting the wuḍūʾ.
So the meaning of istawkafa is: that he made and performed wuḍūʾ until dripping fell—meaning, water—from his limbs.
Thus what is apparent is that this ḥadīth that it is acceptable and suitable as a ḥujjah.
And Allah is the One whose help is sought.