❖ Ruling on Extracting Water from a Contaminated Well
Source: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith – Kitab al-Taharah, Vol. 1, p. 22
❖ Question:
According to the Hanafi school of thought, if the entire water of a well cannot be extracted after impurity falls into it, what should be done?
❖ Answer:
✦ Jurisprudential Solution:
If any impure substance falls into a well and it is not possible to extract all of its water, then the ruling of Imam Muhammad (رحمه الله) is followed:
◉ At least 200 buckets of water must be drawn out.
◉ Drawing out 300 buckets is preferable.
The fatwa is issued on this opinion, considering ease and avoidance of hardship.
✦ Supporting References:
✔ Shah ‘Abd al-‘Aziz (رحمه الله) also gave fatwa on this view for the sake of facilitation and to avoid hardship.
✔ The same ruling is documented in the books:
• Durr al-Mukhtār
• Muntaqā al-Abḥur
✦ Explanation:
❖ Quantity of Water & Standard of Purity:
◉ In the case of abundant water (i.e., when the water is equal to or more than two qullahs), it does not become impure by the falling of a najasah unless:
✔ Its color, smell, or taste is altered.
◉ But when the water is less than two qullahs, it is deemed impure, and removal of water is necessary to purify it.
✦ Scholarly Disagreement:
There is disagreement among jurists regarding the precise quantity that qualifies as “abundant water”. However, the majority of scholars have considered “qullatayn” as the standard.
✦ Position of Shah Waliullah Dehlawi (رحمه الله):
He discussed the issue of drawing water from a well at length, stating:
◉ No authentic Hadith from the Prophet ﷺ exists on this specific matter.
◉ The reports of the Companions and Tabi‘in are meant to serve the purpose of cleanliness and inner reassurance, not as a binding legal obligation.
❖ Summary Ruling:
✔ If removing all water from the well is not feasible, then:
✅ It is obligatory to extract at least 200 buckets of water.
✅ Extracting 300 buckets is more virtuous.
✅ The ruling is based on the principles of ease and removal of hardship.
والله أعلم بالصواب
