The Book of Water - Sunan an-Nasa'i 328

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about water and how some animals and carnivorous beasts might drink from it. He said: 'If the water is more than two Qullahs, it will not become filthy.'"

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic purity laws regarding water that has been exposed to impurities. The Prophet (ﷺ) was questioned about water sources from which various animals, including carnivorous beasts, might drink.

The term "Qullah" refers to a specific measurement equivalent to approximately 500 ratls (Iraqi pounds) according to the majority of scholars, which translates to roughly 190-200 liters. Thus, "two Qullahs" constitutes a substantial volume of water.

The wisdom behind this ruling lies in the principle that large quantities of water possess inherent purity and cleansing properties. When water reaches this substantial volume, incidental contact with impurities does not fundamentally alter its pure nature, as the sheer quantity prevents the water from taking on the characteristics of the impurity.

This teaching demonstrates the ease and practicality of Islamic law, recognizing that complete avoidance of animal contact with water sources is impractical, especially in desert environments. The ruling preserves the usability of large water bodies while maintaining strict standards for smaller quantities where impurities could significantly affect the water's nature.

Juridical Applications

Scholars have derived several rulings from this hadith: Water less than two Qullahs becomes impure upon contact with any impurity, regardless of whether its color, taste, or smell changes. Water reaching two Qullahs only becomes impure if one of its three qualities (color, taste, or smell) is noticeably altered by the impurity. This principle applies to stationary water (such as wells, ponds, and large containers) as well as flowing water according to many scholars.