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Is it permissible to make wudu with zamzam water?

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Shaykh Ibn Baz· عبد العزيز بن بازSenior Scholar

Majmu' Fatawa Ibn Baz

Fatwa no. 11200

It is permissible to use Zamzam water for wudu and for ghusl (purification from major impurity) without this being disliked (makruh).

Shaykh Ibn Baz was asked about the ruling on using Zamzam water for wudu and ghusl, and he replied that it is permissible. He stated that Zamzam water is pure and purifying water, and the basic principle is that it is permissible to use it for wudu and ghusl, just like other types of water.

He supported this with evidence from the Sunnah. It is reported in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, and authenticated by Shaykh al-Albani, that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself used it for purification.

The hadith states that the Prophet ﷺ called for a bucket (سَجْل) of Zamzam water, from which he "drank and made wudu." This is a clear and direct proof for its permissibility.

While some scholars expressed a dislike for using Zamzam water to wash away impurities (istinja) out of respect for its blessed nature, this does not extend to using it for acts of worship like wudu and ghusl. As Shaykh Ibn Baz clarified, its use for ritual purification is confirmed by the actions of the Prophet ﷺ. Therefore, there is no harm in using it for wudu, ghusl, or even for removing impurities if needed, although it is better to use it for drinking and ritual purification.

Evidence

Hadith

It was narrated that ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ called for a bucket of water from Zamzam. He drank from it and performed wudu with it. (Musnad Ahmad, 702)

Key Takeaway

It is permissible to use Zamzam water for wudu (ablution) and ghusl (full-body purification) as this is established from the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.

Librarians, not Muftis

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