The Book of Purification - Bulugh al-Maram

Hadith Reference: Bulugh al-Maram 2

Textual Analysis

The noble hadith states: "Water is pure and nothing can make it impure." This comprehensive statement establishes the fundamental principle that water in its natural state retains its inherent purity.

The phrasing "water is pure" (al-mā'u ṭahūrun) employs the intensive form, emphasizing water's essential, intrinsic purity that is inseparable from its nature.

Legal Rulings and Applications

Scholars have derived from this hadith that pure water remains suitable for purification unless its color, taste, or smell changes due to contamination.

The general principle applies to all types of pure water: well water, spring water, rain water, and sea water. The Prophet (ﷺ) specifically mentioned sea water in another narration: "Its water is pure and its dead animals are lawful."

This ruling facilitates the Muslim's practice of worship, as it removes unnecessary restrictions and maintains the ease inherent in Islamic law.

Scholarly Interpretations

Imam al-Nawawi explained that this hadith establishes the default ruling for water, which remains pure until definitively proven otherwise through observable changes.

Ibn al-Mundhir noted consensus among scholars that water does not become impure unless altered by impurities, thus preserving its original ruling of purity.

The qualification mentioned by some scholars regarding changed characteristics serves as an evidentiary marker, not a contradiction to this fundamental principle.

Practical Implications

This teaching prevents excessive scrupulosity in matters of purification and encourages Muslims to maintain a balanced approach to ritual cleanliness.

The ruling applies to substantial quantities of water. Scholars differ regarding small quantities that come into contact with impurities, with the preponderant opinion being that slight contact without noticeable change does not affect water's purity.