Could you kindly tell me whether it is obligatory to do wudu in running water. Can one not dip his limbs in to a bucket of water and then wipe them? If one were to dip all his limbs for wudu in the same bucket of water would his wudu be valid? Would it be valid if one used fresh water in a bucket for each limb? When does water become used in wudu? What are the official Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki and Hanbali positions on all of the above. Could you please find out for me? If ones wudu has become 20 – 25 minutes long (and he can’t help it) would he be allowed the consession to do this? Can ones salah be like the Hanafis and wudu be like that of another madhab?
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
For the benefit of the readers I will mention what is used water (Mustamaal), when does water become used and the ruling for using used water.
Used water is the water which has been used to purify from impurities as well as such water which has been used on the pure body for the purpose of obtaining reward. For example, one is already in the state of wudhu but makes a fresh wudhu to obtain reward, by making intention of wudhu. (Kitabut Taharah p.86)
Water becomes used after it separates from the body. Therefore, if a person is washing his face or arm, then the water becomes used as soon as it separates from the skin of the face or arm. (Nurul Idah p.24)
It is not permissible to use “used water” for ghusl and wudhu. Used water is pure in itself and can be used to remove other impurities like blood and excreta. (Kitabut Taharah p.87)
With regards to your question, the advice given by my respected teachers of Darul Uloom, Bury, is that you should wash each washable part in wudhu three times. Count it in your mind and after that you will be in the state of wudhu. Any doubts, which come up afterwards you should not take any notice of it. There is no need for you to dip your limbs in a bucket and wipe them afterwards to get rid off the doubts.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
