Why has ablution with tap water that has been altered by chlorine and chemical disinfectants been permitted? What are the jurisprudential proofs for this, and is there a consensus among scholars on it?
Scholars differed on the ruling concerning water that changes due to a pure substance, with two opinions: The first opinion holds that purification with such water is impermissible. This is the madhhab of Malik and Al-Shafi'i, and one narration from Ahmad. Their argument is that this is not "absolute water." The second opinion permits purification with such water as long as it is still called "water." This is the madhhab of Abu Hanifa and the other narration from Ahmad. Ibn Taymiyyah preferred this opinion and cited evidence for it, including: the inclusivity of the word "water" in the Qur'an for everything that is water; that water changed by salt or lotus (sidr) is still called water; the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, washed with water that had traces of dough; his command to wash the deceased with water and lotus; and the fact that seawater is purifying despite its change. Based on this opinion, purification with water changed by chlorine or chemical substances is permissible.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/41115