Purification (Tahara)

Introduction

Purification is one of the most important topics in Islamic jurisprudence. It is the key to prayer and a condition for its validity. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The key to prayer is purification." (Narrated by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi).

Allah says: ﴿Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.﴾ [Al-Baqarah: 222].

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Definition of Tahara

Linguistically: Cleanliness and freedom from physical and spiritual impurities.
Legally: Removing ritual impurity (Hadath) and physical impurity (Khabath/Najasah).

• Hadath (Ritual Impurity): A state of the body that prevents prayer (minor hadath is removed by Wudu, major hadath by Ghusl).
• Khabath (Physical Impurity/Najasah): A filthy substance that must be removed according to Sharia.

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Categories of Water

Overview

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Category 1: Tahur Water (Pure & Purifying)

Definition

Water that remains in its original natural state - its taste, color, and smell have not been altered by anything that would change its nature.

Ruling

• Pure in itself: Permissible to drink and use.
• Purifying for others: Valid for Wudu and Ghusl.

Evidence

Allah says: ﴿And We have sent down from the sky purifying water.﴾ [Al-Furqan: 48].

The Prophet ﷺ said about seawater: "Its water is purifying, and its dead (fish) are lawful." (Narrated by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi, authenticated).

Examples of Tahur Water

1. Rainwater: ﴿And He sent down upon you from the sky, rain by which to purify you.﴾ [Al-Anfal: 11].
2. Seawater: As in the hadith of Abu Hurayrah above.
3. River and spring water: In their natural state.
4. Well water: Such as Zamzam water.
5. Melted snow and hail: The Prophet ﷺ said: "O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow, and hail." (Agreed upon).

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Category 2: Tahir Water (Pure but Not Purifying)

Definition

Water whose taste, color, or smell has changed due to a pure substance mixing with it.

Ruling

• Pure in itself: Permissible to drink.
• Not purifying: Wudu and Ghusl are not valid with it (according to the majority of scholars).

Examples

1. Water changed by tea or coffee.
2. Water significantly changed by soap.
3. Rose water extracted from flowers.
4. Broth and fruit juices.

Important Note

If water changes due to something pure that cannot normally be separated from it (like algae, fallen leaves, or dust), it remains Tahur according to the correct opinion, because such change is unintentional and unavoidable.

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Category 3: Najis Water (Impure)

Definition

Water whose taste, color, or smell has changed due to an impurity falling into it.

Ruling

• Impure: Not permissible to drink or use.
• Not purifying: Wudu and Ghusl are not valid with it.

Evidence

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Water is pure and nothing makes it impure." (Narrated by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi).

Understanding the Hadith: Water does not become impure merely by impurity falling into it; it only becomes impure if it changes because of it.

Scenarios of Impurity Falling into Water

How to Purify Impure Water?

1. Addition: By adding a large amount of pure water until the change disappears.
2. Natural removal: If the change disappears over time or due to sun and wind.
3. Draining: By draining the changed water until it returns to its original state.

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Important Issues Regarding Water

1. Used Water (Al-Ma' Al-Musta'mal)

Water that has separated from the limbs after Wudu or Ghusl.

• Correct opinion: It is Tahur and can be used again, though it's better to avoid it.

2. Sun-heated Water

Water heated by the sun's heat.

• Ruling: Tahur and valid for purification, though some scholars disliked it fearing harm to the skin.

3. Fire-heated Water

• Ruling: Tahur without any dislike.

4. Zamzam Water

• Ruling: Tahur - Wudu and Ghusl are valid with it, and it is the best of all waters.
• However, using it for Istinja (cleaning after relieving oneself) is disliked out of respect for it.

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Other Purification Tools

1. Earth/Dust (As-Sa'id At-Tayyib)

Used for Tayammum when water is unavailable or its use is harmful.
﴿Then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands.﴾ [An-Nisa: 43].

2. Stones (Istijmar)

Used for Istinja to remove what exits from the private parts.

• Must be pure, and at least three stones (or wipes) until cleanliness is achieved.

3. Tanning (Dibagha)

Purifies the skins of dead animals (except pig and dog according to the correct opinion).
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Any skin that is tanned has become pure." (Narrated by Muslim).

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Summary of Water Rulings

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Types of Purification

1. Wudu (Minor Purification)

To remove minor ritual impurity. Details in the Wudu lesson.

2. Ghusl (Major Purification)

To remove major ritual impurity. Details in the Ghusl lesson.

3. Tayammum (Lawful Substitute)

When water is unavailable or its use is harmful. Details in the Tayammum lesson.

4. Removing Najasah

With water or its substitute. Details in the Najasah lesson.

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The Prophet ﷺ said: "Purification is half of faith." (Narrated by Muslim).

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🗺️ Mind Map: Summary of Tahara