Abu Huraira said that a man told God’s messenger that he sailed on the sea taking a small quantity of water with him. As he would suffer from thirst if he used this for ablution, he asked whether he might use sea water for that purpose, and received the reply, “Its water is pure, and what dies a natural death in it is lawful food.” Malik, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it.
Purification: Mishkat al-Masabih 479
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.
The Hadith Text
Abu Huraira reported that a man asked God's messenger about performing ablution with sea water while traveling by sea with limited fresh water. The Prophet replied: "Its water is pure, and what dies a natural death in it is lawful food."
Transmitted by Malik, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah and Darimi.
Commentary on the First Ruling
The declaration "Its water is pure" establishes seawater as inherently pure (tahir) and purifying (mutahhir). This ruling addresses the fundamental principle that all natural waters are pure unless contaminated by impurities that alter their color, taste, or smell. The sea, despite its salinity and the presence of dead creatures within it, remains pure for ritual purification.
Scholars derive from this that seawater does not become impure through the death of marine life within it, nor does its salinity prevent it from being used for wudu (ablution) or ghusl (ritual bath). This demonstrates the ease and flexibility Islam provides in matters of worship, especially during travel.
Commentary on the Second Ruling
The statement "what dies a natural death in it is lawful food" clarifies that sea creatures that die naturally without being properly slaughtered are permissible to eat. This exception applies specifically to marine animals, unlike land animals which require proper Islamic slaughter to be halal.
This ruling is based on the understanding that seawater itself serves as a natural purifying agent for these creatures. The comprehensive nature of this permission includes all types of seafood, demonstrating Allah's abundant provision for His servants.
Legal Implications and Wisdom
This hadith provides essential concessions for travelers and those living near coastal areas. It eliminates unnecessary hardship by allowing the use of readily available seawater for purification when fresh water is scarce.
The combined rulings in this single response demonstrate the holistic nature of Islamic law, addressing both ritual purity and lawful consumption. The Prophet's comprehensive answer shows his profound wisdom in providing complete guidance that covers multiple aspects of a single subject.
Scholars have universally accepted these rulings, and they remain fundamental principles in Islamic jurisprudence regarding purification and dietary laws.