Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “None of you must pass water into standing water that is not flowing, then wash in it.” (Bukhari and Muslim.) In a version by Muslim he said, “None of you must wash in standing water when he is sexually defiled.” Abu Huraira was asked how it was to be done, and said that it was to be taken out in handfuls.
Purification - Mishkat al-Masabih 474
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith, transmitted through the trustworthy companion Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) and recorded in the authentic collections of Bukhari and Muslim, addresses two important matters of purification. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibits urinating into stagnant water and washing from major impurity (janabah) in such water.
The wisdom behind this prohibition is manifold: standing water becomes contaminated by urine, rendering it impure and unsuitable for purification. Furthermore, washing from major impurity in such water would further contaminate it, making it harmful for others who might use it.
Juridical Rulings
The scholars have derived from this hadith that it is prohibited (haram) to urinate into standing water that does not flow, as this corrupts the water and makes it unsuitable for purification. Similarly, it is forbidden to perform ghusl (ritual bath) from major impurity in such water, as one's impurities would mix with the water.
The practical solution, as demonstrated by Abu Huraira when questioned, is to take water from the container in handfuls rather than immersing oneself in it. This preserves the purity of the main body of water while allowing one to perform the necessary purification.
Spiritual Dimensions
This teaching reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic law, which considers both individual needs and communal welfare. The prohibition protects public resources from contamination and teaches Muslims to be mindful of how their actions affect others.
It also instills the importance of cleanliness (taharah) as half of faith, as mentioned in another hadith. The careful preservation of water purity reflects the broader Islamic principle of environmental stewardship and consideration for fellow creatures who share these resources.
Practical Application
When using water from containers for purification, one should pour it or take it in handfuls rather than immersing body parts directly. This applies particularly to public water sources and shared facilities.
For flowing water like rivers and streams, the ruling differs as the flowing nature prevents the water from becoming contaminated. However, even in such cases, Muslims should avoid actions that would harm the water quality or inconvenience others.
And Allah knows best. May Allah grant us understanding of His religion and enable us to act upon it. All praise is to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.