Book of Purification
Introduction
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Book of Purification

Allah, Exalted is He, says, “We sent down from the sky water that is purifying.” 1

Lifting a state of ritual impurity (ḥadath) or removing tangible filth (najāsah) requires plain, unqualified water (māʾ muṭlaq): water to which the word “water” applies without restriction. Water whose character has been altered by an unnecessary additive—saffron, for example—so markedly that it can no longer be called “water” is not purificatory (ṭahūr). A change that does not prevent it from still being called “water” is of no consequence, nor is a change brought about by stagnation, clay, algae, or other substances normally found in its basin or streambed. The same ruling holds when the change comes from something merely adjoining it, such as a piece of wood or oil, and—according to the more evident view—from soil that has been thrown into it.

It is disliked to use water heated by the sun, and water already employed in an obligatory act of purification. According to one report, water used in a voluntary purification is likewise non-purificatory under the new view; however, if that used water is gathered until it reaches two qullahs, it again becomes purifying, which is the sounder position.

A body of water amounting to two qullahs is not rendered impure by the mere contact of filth; if the filth alters it, it becomes impure. Should the alteration vanish on its own or through the addition of plain water, the water returns to purity; if it is removed by musk or saffron, it does not. The same applies—on the more evident view—when the change is removed by earth or a hide. Any amount of water less than two qullahs becomes impure upon contact with filth.

If such lesser water is increased by adding plain water until it reaches two qullahs without the added water itself being altered, it becomes purifying. Should it be augmented with purifying water yet still fall short of two qullahs, it does not become purifying; some say it is physically clean (ṭāhir) but not purificatory (ṭahūr).

An exception is made for the carcass of a creature whose blood does not flow; according to the well-known view, its presence does not render a liquid impure. Likewise—according to one opinion—an imperceptible trace of filth, such that the eye cannot discern it, is excused.