SECTION ON PURIFICATION · 33 – THINGS THAT RENDER WATER IMPURE
63 – From ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both), who narrated from his father. He said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about waters frequented alternately by animals and predatory creatures. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If the water reaches the amount of two qullas, it does not become impure.” [77]
EXPLANATION
QULLA: A large water vessel. The large water jars made in the land of Hajar are also called qulla; one qulla is 250 ritl, two qullas are 500 ritl. In today’s measurement, this is approximately 375 liters. This hadith: Imām al-Shāfiʿī took this as evidence and held the view that if water reaches the amount of two qullas, it does not become impure. Because there is some uncertainty (iḍṭirāb) in this hadith, Imām al-Aʿẓam did not take it as evidence. The reason for the narration of this hadith is as follows: The ruling was asked regarding open waters in the desert, which various wild animals would come to and drink from in turn. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: “Water that reaches the amount of two qullas does not become impure.”
64 – From ʿUbaydullāh ibn ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar. He also narrated from his father, saying: The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about the ruling of water found in the desert, and he mentioned the meaning of the previous hadith.
65 – ʿUbaydullāh ibn ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: My father informed me. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When water reaches the amount of two qullas, it does not become impure.” [78]