Ruling on Water That Changes Color While Standing Still
Source: Fatāwā Amunpūrī by Shaykh Ghulām Muṣṭafā Ẓahīr Amunpūrī
❖ Question
If standing water changes its color, what is the ruling regarding wuḍūʾ with it?
❖ Answer
Wuḍūʾ performed with such water is valid, because the water remains pure.
❖ Scholarly Consensus
◈ Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728H):
((أما ما تغير بمكثه ومقره، فهو باق على طهوريته باتفاق العلماء))
“As for water that changes due to remaining in place or staying for a long time, it remains in its state of purification according to the consensus of the scholars.”
— al-Fatāwā al-Kubrā 1/214
❖ Explanation
- Water becomes impure only if its color, taste, or smell changes due to impurity falling into it.
- If the change occurs because of:
• A pure substance falling into it, or
• Remaining stagnant for a long time,
then the water is still pure and suitable for wuḍūʾ.
Conclusion
- Water that changes while standing still remains pure unless affected by impurity.
- Wuḍūʾ with such water is valid and permissible.
