How authentic is the Hadith with the wording: "Water is pure; nothing makes it impure, except that which changes its color, taste, or smell"? And was it reported specifically concerning the well of Bidha'ah?
Water is pure by nature and becomes impure if its color, taste, or smell changes due to impurity. However, if its characteristics do not change, it remains pure. It is better for one who desires to be cautious in their religion to avoid using a small amount of water into which an impurity has fallen, even if its characteristics have not changed.
As for the Hadith of Bi’r Buda’ah: “Water is pure; nothing makes it impure,” it is an authentic Hadith.
As for the addition in another Hadith: “Indeed, water is not made impure by anything, except what overcomes its smell, taste, and color,” this addition is weak by scholarly consensus.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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