Understanding Fiqh: The Principles of Purification in Islam
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
Fiqh, the deep understanding of Islamic rulings, is integral to practicing our faith correctly. One essential topic in Fiqh is purification, which is the cornerstone of acts of worship like Salah. The Quran and Sunnah emphasize purity as a prerequisite for achieving spiritual closeness to Allah. Here, we delve into the principles of purification, drawing from classical Islamic sources.
Water: The Best Purifier
Allah describes water as a source of purification:
And He is the One Who sends the winds ushering in His mercy, and We send down pure rain from the sky, (Surah Al-Furqan 25:48).
Water in its natural state—whether from rain, rivers, seas, or springs—is inherently pure and purifying. It can cleanse impurities and uplift both major and minor ritual impurities.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also affirmed this when asked about seawater:
"Its water is pure and its dead [fish] are lawful." (Sunan Abi Dawood, 83).
This highlights that pure water retains its purifying properties unless contaminated with impurities that alter its smell, color, or taste.
Misconceptions About “Used Water”
Some schools of thought argue that water used for ablution or bathing becomes “used” and cannot be reused for purification. However, there is no evidence for this claim in the Quran or Hadith. Scholars like Imam Ibn Taymiyyah clarified that water remains pure as long as it is not tainted by impurities.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Water is pure and nothing makes it impure." (Sunan Abu Dawood, 67).
Thus, even water that has come into contact with clean body parts during ablution can still be used.
Types of Water in Fiqh
Scholars broadly classify water into two types based on the Quran and Sunnah:
Pure and Purifying Water:
- This includes all natural sources like rain, rivers, and wells.
Impure Water (Najas):
- Water mixed with impurities, altering its essential characteristics, cannot be used for purification.
There is no third category, such as "pure but not purifying," as some schools suggest. For instance, tea or juice, though primarily water, is no longer classified as water because its name and nature have changed.
Practical Examples of Purification
A common scenario involves water in a bucket during ablution. Some argue the bucket becomes impure if used water falls back into it. Yet, as long as the water's essential characteristics remain unchanged, it is permissible to reuse it.
The Prophet (ﷺ) permitted ablution using flowing or standing water, provided it remained pure. He emphasized simplicity and avoiding unnecessary complications:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights."
(Sahih Bukhari, 39).
Conclusion
The principles of purification are straightforward, rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. By understanding these rulings, we can fulfill acts of worship confidently and correctly. May Allah guide us to practice our faith with sincerity and understanding.
They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about menstruation. Say, “Beware of its harm! So keep away, and do not have intercourse with your wives during their monthly cycles until they are purified.1 When they purify themselves, then you may approach them in the manner specified by Allah. Surely Allah loves those who always turn to Him in repentance and those who purify themselves.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222).
Wa Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
