What is the ruling on performing ablution (wudu) and ritual bathing (ghusl) with seawater contaminated by chemical waste, due to the proximity of the beach to a chemical factory?
Seawater is pure and purifying. If the color, taste, or smell of the beach water has not changed due to the mentioned substances, there is no harm in performing ablution (wudu') and ritual bathing (ghusl) with it. It may even be obligatory if no other water is available. However, if it is proven that using this water harms one's health and leads to destruction, then it is not permissible to use it, based on the Almighty's saying: "And do not kill yourselves," and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "There shall be no harm or reciprocating harm."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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