The Prescribed Prayer: Chapter One

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TAHAARAH (PURIFICATION)

WATER

Tahaarah, purification, can be achieved by using pure water. Pure water is that which is pure in itself and can purify anything else. Impure water is neither useful for Ghusl, complete bath, nor for ablution.

Pure water includes:

1. Rain water, ice water, rivers, and water from melted snow. Allah says:

   "...And We send down pure water from the sky." (Al-Quran, 25:48).

2. Sea water: in a Hadeeth reported by Abu-Hurairah, a man asked the Prophet (s.a.s.):

   "Sometime we may carry a little water with us in the ship while at sea; if we use the water we may get thirsty. Can we use the sea water for purification?" The Prophet said: "Its water is pure and its carrion is lawful" (Tirmidhee)

3. Wells and Fountains; it was reported by Ali bin Abee-Taalib that the Prophet asked for a bucketful of Zamzam water from which he drank and performed Wuduu.

THE SIGNS OF PURE WATER

The water mentioned above should be free of color, taste or smell. If a color, taste or smell is noticed in the water, even if these things are pure, the water cannot be used for purification.

Water which is already used for purification may be used again if it is still pure.

When water changes spontaneously as a result of salt, mud, grass and the like from lakes, it is considered pure and can be used for purification. However, if the change is due to chemical contamination, the water cannot be used for purification.

If any impurity falls in pure water and does not change its signs of purity, it may be used for purification.

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