Does all impurity get removed by water only?

Scholars differed concerning the specification of water for removing impurity. The majority held that water is specified, while Abu Hanifa and Ibn Taymiyyah maintained that impurity can be removed by any pure liquid that eliminates it, and this latter opinion is the more preponderant. Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen clarified that the removal of impurity is not an intended act of worship, so whenever the impurity itself is removed by any means, it is considered purifying, even if it is removed by the sun and wind. This includes transformation (istihalah), drying of the earth, and the use of liquids. There is a moderate view by Al-Shawkani who believes that water is the fundamental means of purification, but it is permissible to use other substances if there is evidence for their sufficiency, or if the Lawgiver did not specify a particular purifying agent, in which case restricting purification to water becomes more obligatory. This last opinion is the most cautious.