Ibrahim bin Abi Ablah (may Allah have mercy on him) says: I asked Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him): How should I perform ablution? He said: You asked how should I perform ablution, but you did not ask how did you see the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performing ablution? I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performing ablution three times each, and he said: "My Lord has commanded me to perform ablution in this manner."