Purification with Water: Difference Between Ritual and Physical Impurity
(Source: Fatawa Arkan al-Islam)
❖ Question
What is the basis of purification from ritual impurity (najāsah) and filth, and what is the difference between them?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Basis of Purification
✿ The foundation of purification from both ritual impurity and filth is water, because water is the primary means of achieving ṭahārah.
✿ Whether the water is completely clear or has had its color, smell, or taste changed by mixing with a pure substance, as long as it is still called “water,” its purifying ability (ṭahūriyyah) remains.
✿ According to the stronger opinion:
◈ Such water is pure in itself (ṭāhir) and purifying (ṭahūr).
◈ It can be used to purify other things.
If Water is Unavailable
✿ If water is not available, or its use would cause harm, then tayammum is prescribed.
Method of Tayammum:
- Strike both palms on the ground.
- Wipe the face with them.
- Wipe the palms over each other.
Difference Between Ritual and Physical Impurity
✿ Ritual impurity (ḥadath) requires wuḍūʾ, ghusl, or tayammum for purification.
✿ Physical impurity (najāsa) requires the removal of the actual substance of impurity from the body, clothes, or place.
For physical impurity:
◈ Any substance — water or otherwise — that removes the impurity is valid.
◈ The goal is simply the removal of the impurity, whether by a moist or dry material.
Special Case: Dog’s Licking
✿ If something is contaminated by a dog’s saliva:
◈ It must be washed seven times.
◈ One of the washes must be done with soil.
Conclusion
✿ The rules and methods of purification differ between ritual impurity and physical impurity.
◈ Ritual impurity is removed by wuḍūʾ, ghusl, or tayammum.
◈ Physical impurity is removed by any means that eliminates it.
ھٰذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
