What is the ruling on moving between the different aspects of applying the Sunnah—such as the number of times one washes the hands during ablution—or moving between the four schools of thought, with the intention of adhering to the Sunnah?

Acts of worship that are reported in various narrations are recommended to be diversified. One narration should be performed sometimes, and another narration at other times, because emulating the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, by doing one thing sometimes and another thing at other times, is better than adhering to one and abandoning the other.

As for performing ablution (Wudu') once, it was rare and done to show permissibility. Otherwise, most of the Prophet's ablution, peace and blessings be upon him, was done three times. The Prophet's performance of ablution once was better for him alone in that situation, due to its aspect of clarification and communication. Therefore, it is not sound to say that performing ablution once is recommended because it conforms to his action, peace and blessings be upon him. Rather, the best is to perform ablution three times for each part, and restricting it to one time is permissible but not recommended.