The Rules of Water

Author: Ibn Basheer Al-Husainwi (May Allah Protect Him)

In a very concise manner, here are the rules of water presented in the light of the Quran and Sunnah:

Types of Pure Water​

  1. Rainwater:
    • Allah says: "And He sent down rain from the sky upon you so that He might purify you." [Al-Anfal: 11]
    • Also: "And We sent down from the sky pure water." [Al-Furqan: 48]
    • The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate upon seeing rain: "O Allah, let it be beneficial rain." [Sahih Bukhari: 1032]
  2. Snow Water:
    • The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed for a companion’s funeral: "O Allah, cleanse him with water, snow, and hail." [Sahih Muslim: 963, Darussalam: 2232]
  3. Hail Water:
    • Evidence has been mentioned under snow water.
  4. Sea (and River) Water:
    • The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said about the sea and river water: "The water of the sea is pure and its dead (fish) is lawful." [Muwatta Imam Malik: 12, Abu Dawood: 83, authentic chain]
    • Imam Ibn Khuzaymah stated in a chapter heading: "It is permissible to perform ablution and ghusl with sea water as it is pure and its dead (fish) is lawful." [Hadith 111]
    • Allah says: "The two seas are not alike: one is fresh and sweet, good to drink, and the other is salty and bitter." [Fatir: 12]
  5. River Water:
    • A long Hadith, a part of which is: "If the horse passes by a river and drinks from it, the owner will be rewarded even if his intention was not to give it water." [Sahih Bukhari: 2371]
    • Imam Bukhari has a chapter: "It is permissible for humans and animals to drink from rivers."
  6. Well Water:
    • Allah says: "When he arrived at the well of Madyan, he found there a group of people watering their flocks." [Al-Qasas: 23]
    • A person drank from a well and then gave water to a thirsty dog. [Sahih Bukhari: 2363, Sahih Muslim: 2244]
  7. Zamzam Water:
    • The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) drank and performed ablution with Zamzam water. [Musnad Ahmad 1/76, Hadith 564, Hasan chain]
    • Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) drank Zamzam water while standing. [Sahih Bukhari: 5617]
    • The Prophet’s chest was washed with Zamzam water on the night of Isra and Miraj. [Sahih Bukhari: 349]
    • Allah has placed great blessings in this water. See Zad al-Ma'ad [4/493-494]
  8. Spring Water:
    • Allah says: "When Musa prayed for water for his people, We said: 'Strike the stone with your staff.' So twelve springs gushed out from it." [Al-Baqarah: 60]
    • Also: "Indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and indeed, there are stones that split open so that water flows from them." [Al-Baqarah: 74]
  9. Flood Water:
    • Allah says: "Have they not seen that We drive water to barren land and produce crops with it, which their livestock eat and they themselves eat?" [As-Sajdah: 27]

Types of Used Water That is Pure and Purifying​

  1. Drinking the leftover water after ablution:
    • From Sa'ib bin Yazid (رضي الله عنه) who said: "My aunt took me to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, my nephew is in pain.' So he passed his hand over my head and prayed for blessings for me. Then he performed ablution, and I drank from his leftover ablution water." [Sahih Bukhari: 190]
    • Abu Juhaifah (رضي الله عنه) narrated: "The Prophet (ﷺ) came to us at noon, and water for ablution was brought to him. He performed ablution, and the people started taking the leftover water and rubbing it on their bodies." [Sahih Bukhari: 187]
  2. Water from a vessel after someone has bathed in it:
    • The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used the leftover water from Maymunah's bath. [Muslim: 323]
    • One of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) bathed in a tub, then the Prophet (ﷺ) wanted to perform ablution from it. She said, "O Messenger of Allah! I was in a state of major impurity." The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Water does not become impure." [Abu Dawood: 68, Ibn Majah: 370, Imam Tirmidhi [65] declared it Hasan and Ibn Hibban [1265] declared it Sahih]
  3. A husband and wife bathing together from the same vessel:
    • It is permissible for a husband and wife to bathe together from the same vessel. [Muslim: 321]
  4. Water mixed with pure substances:
    • Umm Atiyah (رضي الله عنها) said: "We washed the Prophet's daughter and he said to us: 'Wash her three, five, or more times with water and lote leaves, and in the last wash, add camphor or something similar.'" [Bukhari: 1258, 1259, Muslim: 939]
  5. Water from the utensils of non-Muslims:
    • It is permissible to perform ablution and ghusl using water from the utensils of non-Muslims. [Bukhari: 344, Muslim: 682, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 113 with an authentic chain]
    • Therefore, drinking and using water from their utensils is also permissible. Note that this is only an exception in case of necessity; otherwise, it is preferable to avoid using the utensils of Jews, Christians, and polytheists. When asked about using the utensils of the People of the Book, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Do not eat in them unless you find no alternative. If you do not find any, then wash them and eat in them." [Sahih Bukhari: 5488, Muslim: 1930]
  6. Water in the tanned skin of a halal animal:
    • Water in the tanned skin of a halal animal, whether it was slaughtered or died naturally, is pure and purifying.
    • Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) narrated: "The Prophet (ﷺ) intended to perform ablution from a water skin, and he was told that it was from a carcass. He said: 'The tanning of the skin removes its impurity.'" [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 114, with an authentic chain]
  7. Warm pure water:
    • Pure warm water is pure and purifying.
  8. Water or liquid in which a fly has fallen:
    • If a fly falls into the water (or liquid), it is still pure. The fly should be dipped and then removed. [Sahih Bukhari: 3320]
    • This ruling applies to all insects that do not have flowing blood, even if they die in the water, it does not become impure. [See Kitab al-Tahur by Imam Abu Ubaid al-Qasim bin Salam under Hadith 190]

Water That is Pure but Not Purifying​

  1. Nabidh:
    • Nabidh is made from water and dates. Both water and dates are pure, but when combined, they form Nabidh. While Nabidh itself is pure and drinkable, it is not purifying because it no longer retains its original state as water.
    • Imam Bukhari has a chapter: "It is not permissible to perform ablution with Nabidh." [Sahih Bukhari before Hadith 242]
    • Imam Ata disapproved of performing ablution with milk and Nabidh, preferring tayammum instead. [Abu Dawood: 86, authentic]
    • Abu Khalda said: "I asked Abu al-Aaliyah (a Tabi'i): 'A man becomes impure, and he only has Nabidh, should he use it for ghusl?' He replied: 'No.'" [Abu Dawood: 87, authentic chain]
    • The Quran mentions performing tayammum in the absence of water, not performing ablution with Nabidh.
    • Note: Intoxicating Nabidh is prohibited according to the principle "Every intoxicant is forbidden."

Impure Water​

  1. Water that has changed color, smell, or taste due to impurities:
    • If water has changed its characteristics due to impurity, it is considered impure.
  2. Water contaminated by a dog's saliva:
    • Abdullah bin Mughaffal (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "If a dog drinks from one of your vessels, wash it seven times, the first time with earth." [Muslim: 279]
    • In some narrations, washing the vessel with earth is mentioned as the last step. Both ways are valid.
    • If water (or another liquid) is contaminated by a dog, it should be discarded. [Muslim: 279, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 75, tabulated]
    • Likewise, any animal considered impure (like a pig) renders its leftover water impure. [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah before Hadith 102]
    • Note: If impure water touches clothes, places, or the body, they become impure and must be washed with water before performing prayers.

Using Water for Cleansing​

  1. Using water for cleansing after relieving oneself:
    • Anas bin Malik (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would go out to relieve himself, and I and a boy would carry a water container, and he would cleanse himself with water. [Bukhari: 150, 152, Muslim: 270]
    • Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that when the Prophet (ﷺ) went to the toilet, water was brought in a vessel, and he used it for cleansing. [Abu Dawood: 45, Hasan chain]
    • It is understood that separate vessels should be used for cleansing and for ablution.

Important Points:​

  1. Cleansing with stones is permissible:
    • Cleansing with stones is valid. [Bukhari: 155]
  2. Using three stones for cleansing:
    • The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed to use three stones for cleansing. [Muslim: 262, Abu Dawood: 7, authentic chain]
    • Similarly, water should be used three times for cleansing, as it serves the same purpose or should be used in odd numbers. Allah knows best.
  3. Using water is recommended and preferable:
    • Imam Tirmidhi said: "Although cleansing with stones is permissible, it is recommended and preferable according to some scholars like Sufyan Thawri, Ibn Mubarak, Shafi'i, Ahmad, and Ishaq (Ibn Rahwayh) to use water for cleansing." [Tirmidhi 1/11, Hadith 19, H.M. Saeed edition]
    • He further mentioned: "Most of the companions (رضي الله عنهم) and later scholars agreed that cleansing with stones is valid even if water is not used afterward, provided the traces of urine and feces are completely removed. This is also the opinion of Sufyan Thawri, Abdullah bin Mubarak, Shafi'i, Ahmad, and Ishaq bin Rahwayh." [Tirmidhi 1/10, Hadith 15]
  4. Carrying water for cleansing:
    • Water should be carried for cleansing. [Bukhari: 151]
  5. Water is used to purify general impurities:
    • General impurities are purified with water. See As-Sahihah [1/299-300]
  6. Pouring water over urine purifies the area:
    • When a Bedouin urinated in the mosque, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Pour a bucket of water over it." [Bukhari: 219]
  7. If a baby urinates:
    • If a breastfeeding baby urinates on clothes, sprinkle water over it.
    • Umm Qais bint Mihsan brought her baby, who had not started eating solid food, to the Prophet (ﷺ), and he urinated on his clothes. The Prophet (ﷺ) asked for water and sprinkled it over the urine without washing it. [Bukhari: 223, Muslim: 287]
    • If a baby girl urinates, the area should be washed.
    • Lubabah bint al-Harith reported that Husain bin Ali (رضي الله عنهما) urinated on the Prophet's lap. She said: "Change your clothes and give me your waistcloth to wash." The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The urine of a girl should be washed, while that of a boy can be sprinkled with water." [Abu Dawood: 375, Ibn Majah: 522, Hasan]
  8. Purification through ghusl:
    • When a man or woman becomes impure, they should purify themselves with water.
    • Note: In the absence of water or due to a legitimate excuse, purification can be achieved with earth. [An-Nisa: 43]
  9. Avoid urinating in standing water:
    • It is forbidden to urinate in standing water. [Bukhari: 238]
    • It is not permissible to perform ablution with water in which someone has urinated or to drink it. [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 94]
  10. Bathing in standing water is prohibited:
  • A person in a state of major impurity should not bathe in standing water. [Muslim: 283]
  • However, bathing with water taken from such a source is permissible.
  1. Wash hands before dipping into water after waking up:
  • After waking up, wash your hands before dipping them into a water container because one does not know where the hands have been during sleep. [Bukhari: 1620, Muslim: 278]
  1. Fish that die naturally in water are lawful:
  • The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The sea and river water is pure, and its dead (fish) are lawful." [Muwatta Imam Malik: 12, Abu Dawood: 83, authentic chain]
  • Our teacher, Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai (may Allah protect him), writes: "From this authentic Hadith, it is understood that fish that die naturally in water are lawful. This is also the stance of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq and the majority of Islamic scholars. See Sahih Bukhari: 'Kitab al-Dhabaih wa al-Sayd', and Fath al-Bari 9/618, among others. There is no valid evidence against this position." [Tasheel al-Wusool ilaa Takhrij wa Taliq Salat al-Rasul, p. 42, footnote 3, see also Al-Sahihah Hadith 480]
  1. Cover the vessel used for ablution:
  • The vessel used for ablution should be covered and its mouth tied. [Musnad Ahmad 2/367, authentic chain]
  1. Ghusl is performed with water:
  • Ghusl is performed with water.
  1. Performing ablution with water from a Christian’s house:
  • Umar performed ablution from the water of a Christian woman's house. [Bukhari before Hadith 193, commentary of Taghliq al-Ta'liq by Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari 1/299]
  • Note: This chain is weak due to being disconnected and problematic. /za
  1. Rinse the mouth after eating Saweeq:
  • After eating Saweeq (a kind of food), one should rinse the mouth with water. [Sahih Bukhari: 209]
  1. Rinse the mouth after drinking milk:
  • After drinking milk, one should rinse the mouth with water. [Sahih Bukhari: 211]
  • Imam Ibn Khuzaymah titled a chapter: "Rinsing the mouth after drinking milk is recommended to remove the greasiness and it is not obligatory." [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah before Hadith 47]
  1. Sprinkle water on someone who has fainted:
  • If someone faints, sprinkle water on them. [Sahih Bukhari: 194]
  1. Breaking the fast with water:
  • It is permissible to break the fast with water. [Sahih Bukhari: 1956]
  1. Mixing water with milk:
  • It is permissible to mix water with milk. [Sahih Bukhari: 5612]
  1. Sweet water or Sharbat was beloved to the Prophet (ﷺ):
  • Drinking sweet water or Sharbat was beloved to the Prophet (ﷺ). [Sahih Bukhari: 5611]
  • For details, see Fath al-Bari [10/92]
  1. Drinking water that has been left overnight is permissible:
  • It is permissible to drink water that has been left overnight. [Sahih Bukhari: 5621]
  1. Do not withhold excess water from travelers:
  • Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Allah will not look at three types of people on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, and they will have a painful punishment: A man who withholds excess water from travelers..." [Sahih Bukhari: 2358]
  1. Selling excess water is prohibited:
  • Jabir bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade selling excess water. [Sahih Muslim: 1565]
  1. The owner of land near a water source has the right to water his land first:
  • The owner of land near a water source has the right to water his land first, then the rights of others. [Sahih Bukhari: 2361]
  1. A farmer has the right to retain enough water in his field for his needs:
  • A farmer can retain enough water in his field to fulfill his needs. [Sahih Bukhari: 2361]
  1. If a person dies by falling into a well while digging, the owner is not liable:
  • If a person dies by falling into a well while digging, the owner is not liable for any compensation or blood money. [Sahih Bukhari: 2355]
  1. Cooling fever with water:
  • Fever can be cooled with water. [Sahih Bukhari: 5725]
  1. Tanning and washing with water and lote leaves purifies leather:
  • Water and lote leaves purify leather. [Sunan Abi Dawood: 1426, Hasan chain]
  1. Adding more water to meat broth for sharing with neighbors:
  • Adding more water to meat broth to share with neighbors is encouraged. [Sahih Muslim: after Hadith 2625, Darussalam: 6689]
  1. Camel's milk should be taken near water sources:
  • Camel's milk should be taken near water sources. [Sahih Bukhari: 2378]
  • This is to ensure the poor and needy nearby also get milk. [Fath al-Bari 5/63]
  1. Blowing on water after reciting supplications:
  • Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade blowing on drinking water, but a person said, "What if I see something like a twig in the vessel?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Pour it out." [Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1887, Hasan Sahih chain, Muwatta Imam Malik 2/925, Hadith 1783]
  1. Water contaminated by a menstruating woman is pure and purifying:
  • Water contaminated by a menstruating woman is pure and purifying. [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 110]
  1. Different types of irrigation for zakat:
  • Crops irrigated by rain, streams, or natural moisture require a tenth of the yield as zakat, while those irrigated by artificial means require a twentieth.
  • Salim bin Abdullah narrated from his father, who narrated from the Prophet (ﷺ): "For what is irrigated by rain or springs, or where the land is naturally moist, a tenth (as zakat) is obligatory. For what is irrigated by a well or other means, a twentieth (half a tenth) is obligatory." [Sahih Bukhari: 1483]
  • According to Darussalam’s printed edition of Bulugh al-Maram: "This Hadith indicates that the type of irrigation determines the amount of zakat. For example, if the land is irrigated by strenuous means, such as by a camel, bull, or manually, then half a tenth (a twentieth) of the yield is required. Similarly, if the land is irrigated by well water, tube well, or purchased water, then a twentieth of the yield is required. Today, irrigation taxes for canal water are considered equivalent to the labor involved. Thus, for land irrigated by canal water, a twentieth of the yield is required." [Bulugh al-Maram 1/404-405, Urdu]
  • Therefore, crops irrigated by canal water also require half a tenth as zakat. This is the correct view, and my teacher Hafiz Sharif (may Allah protect him) also holds this opinion.

Etiquette of Drinking Water​

  1. Say Bismillah before drinking:
    • One should say Bismillah before drinking. [Al-Awsat al-Tabarani 2/351]
  2. Drink with the right hand:
    • Drink with the right hand. [Sahih Muslim: 2020]
  3. Drink in three sips:
    • Anas (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to drink in three sips. [Sahih Bukhari: 5631, Muslim: 2028]
    • Take three breaths while drinking and take the breath away from the vessel, as the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade breathing into the vessel. [Sahih Bukhari: 5630, Sahih Muslim: 267]
  4. Sit while drinking:
    • Anas (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade drinking while standing. [Sahih Muslim: 2024]
    • Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "None of you should drink while standing. If he forgets, he should vomit." [Sahih Muslim: 2026]
    • Imam Nawawi commented on these Hadiths: "Drinking while standing is disliked."

Important Note:​

Most scholars did not classify their chapters in Sahih Muslim. These classifications were made by various scholars, including Imam Nawawi. The prevalent edition of Sahih Muslim with Nawawi’s commentary used in religious schools includes chapters and headings set by Imam Nawawi. This clarification is made by:
  1. Imam Nawawi [Introduction to Sharh Sahih Muslim by Nawawi 1/7, Darussalam edition]
  2. Dr. Subhi Salih [Uloom al-Hadith p. 155, Urdu]
  3. Muhaddith al-Asr Shaikhna Irshad Haqq al-Athari (may Allah protect him) [Weekly Al-Itisam 58/30, p. 18]
  4. Our esteemed teacher Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai (may Allah protect him) [Nasr al-Bari p. 141]

Note:​

The narrations prohibiting drinking while standing are either abrogated by later evidence or considered as disliked but not prohibited. /za

Permissibility of Drinking While Standing in Certain Cases​

  1. Drinking Zamzam while standing:
    • Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) narrated: "I gave the Prophet (ﷺ) Zamzam water to drink, and he drank it while standing." [Sahih Bukhari: 1637, Sahih Muslim: 2027]
    • Imam Nawawi categorized this under "Drinking Zamzam while standing."
    • Carrying Zamzam to various locations is permissible. See Sunan al-Tirmidhi [993, authentic chain]
    • However, there is no evidence to suggest drinking Zamzam while standing or facing the Qiblah in other locations.
  2. Drinking leftover ablution water while standing:
    • Nazzal (bin Sabra) narrated that Ali (رضي الله عنه) came out of the gate of the mosque and drank while standing. He said: "Some people dislike drinking while standing, but I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) drinking as you saw me drinking." [Sahih Bukhari: 5615]
    • This refers to leftover ablution water as explained in Sahih Bukhari [5616].
    • Imam Bukhari interpreted this as general water, whether Zamzam or ordinary water.
  3. Drinking from a hanging water skin:
    • Um Thabit Kabshah bint Thabit, the sister of Hassan bin Thabit (رضي الله عنهما) narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to us and drank from a hanging water skin while standing. I cut off its mouth and kept it." [Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1892, Hasan Sahih chain]
    • Imam Bukhari took it to mean drinking any water.
  4. Drinking while standing without necessity:
    • Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنهما) narrated: "During the time of the Prophet (ﷺ), we used to eat while walking and drink while standing." [Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1880, authentic]
    • Amr bin Shuaib narrated from his father, who narrated from his grandfather: "I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) drinking while standing and sitting." [Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1883, authentic chain]
    • Imam Tirmidhi categorized this under "Permissibility of drinking while standing."
    • Imam Nawawi categorized this under "Permissibility of drinking while standing and preference of sitting while drinking." [Riyadh al-Salihin 1/625, Darussalam, Urdu]
    • Hafiz Ibn Hajar stated that the best interpretation is to consider the prohibition of drinking while standing as disliking but not prohibiting. [Fath al-Bari 10/86-87]
    • Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf (may Allah protect him) wrote: "The earlier mentioned Hadiths (in Riyadh al-Salihin) indicate the permissibility of drinking and eating while standing. However, this should be done only out of necessity, as the preferable act is to sit while eating and drinking. Today, the trend of eating while standing has become widespread in gatherings. People justify it as convenient because it allows everyone to finish at the same time. However, this practice has several disadvantages, which outweigh the convenience:
      1. Imitating the West: This is forbidden.
      2. Contrary to the Prophet's guidance: The Prophet (ﷺ) strictly prohibited standing while eating and drinking.
      3. Chaos: The disorder seen during such gatherings is unbecoming of a respectable nation.
      4. Resembling animals: It resembles the way animals are fed, which is beneath human dignity.
      5. Inconvenience: Guests are subjected to an uncomfortable wait until everyone arrives.
      6. Listening to inappropriate content: During the wait, guests are often forced to listen to music or inappropriate jokes.
      7. Food wastage: This practice leads to significant food wastage.
      8. Therefore, this method of serving food is entirely wrong, and all these actions are satanic. Hence, such gatherings are impermissible and should be avoided. [Riyadh al-Salihin 1/627, Urdu]

Praising Allah After Drinking Water​

  • The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Allah is pleased with a person who praises Him after eating food or drinking water." [Sahih Muslim: 2734]

Using Vessels for Drinking Water​

  1. Do not drink from gold or silver vessels:
    • It is prohibited to drink from gold or silver vessels. [Sahih Bukhari: 5633, Sahih Muslim: 2067]
  2. If there is a twig in the water, do not blow it away; instead, pour it out:
    • If a twig falls into the water, do not blow it out; instead, tilt the vessel and pour it out. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1887, authentic chain]

Etiquette of Serving Water​

  1. Serve water starting from the right side:
    • Serve water starting from the right side. [Sahih Bukhari: 5619]
  2. Use the right hand to pass and receive the water container:
    • Pass and receive the water container with the right hand. [Sahih Muslim: 2020]
  3. The server should drink last:
    • The server should drink last. [Sahih Muslim: 281]
  4. Pray for the one who serves water:
    • Pray: "O Allah, feed the one who fed me, and give drink to the one who gave me drink." [Sahih Muslim: 2055]

Avoid Innovations in Serving Water​

  • Some people set up water stalls on specific days, which is an innovation and should be avoided.
These are the rulings and etiquettes related to water in Islam.
 
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