Chapter on Vessels
Introduction
The word ʾāniyah (vessels) is the plural of ināʾ, following the pattern ʾafʿilah, just as kisāʾ (cover) forms the plural ʾaksiyah.
Its original form is ʾaʾniyah—with two hamzahs—the second of which has been converted into an alif.
The collective plural of ʾāniyah is awānī, and in both lexical and customary usage it refers to receptacles.
The reason for treating this topic here is that purification is performed with water; since water flows, it necessarily requires a container, so discussing the rulings of vessels immediately afterwards is appropriate.
Vessels may be made of iron, copper, brass, earthenware, wood, leather, or anything else suitable for that purpose—even precious materials such as gemstones and emeralds.
The basic ruling concerning vessels is permissibility, in light of the Almighty’s statement: “He is the One who created for you all that is on the earth.”
This is a major principle indicating that everything in worldly customs, transactions, industries, inventions, and items in general use—whether clothing, furnishings, vessels, or the like—is fundamentally permissible without restriction. Whoever declares any of these things forbidden, when Allah has not forbidden them, is introducing an innovation.
Accordingly, no vessel is unlawful except what Allah and His Messenger have prohibited, namely vessels of gold and silver, as will be explained, Allah willing.