Chapter: Removing Impurity

Shaykh al-Islām—may Allah sanctify his soul—said:

Section

As for removing impurity with something other than water, there are three views within Ahmad’s school:

The first is that it is not permissible, as al-Shāfiʿī held. This is one of the two views within the schools of Mālik and Ahmad.

The second is that it is permissible, as Abū Hanīfah held. This is the other view within the schools of Mālik and Ahmad.

The third view within Ahmad’s school is that it is permissible when needed, as when a cat’s mouth becomes pure through its own saliva, or children’s mouths become pure through theirs, and similar cases.

The Sunnah contains instructions to use water, as in the Prophet’s words to Asmā’:

“Scrape it off, then rub it with your fingertips