Q: What is the legal ruling on performing Ghusl (ritual bath) in standing water for someone who is Junub (in a state of major ritual impurity)? It should be noted that there are many ponds in desert places where water remains standing for a long period without (Part No. 5; Page No. 70) being changed except by rain water in summer or autumn. There are also some ponds in Masjids (mosques). What is the ruling on the prohibition mentioned in Hadith: None of you should wash in standing water while he is Junub. ? What is the ruling on a person who does what is prohibited? Moreover, villagers used to come to these ponds and reveal some parts of their bodies above the knees.

A: All Praise is due to Allah Alone and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family and Companions. To commence: Firstly: It is not permissible for the Junub to perform Ghusl in standing water. It was reported by Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “None of you should wash in standing water while he is Junub (in a state of ritual impurity after sexual intercourse).” Abu Hurayrah was asked how it was to be done; he said: "It was to be taken out in handfuls." Secondly: If water is equal to two Qullas (what is equivalent to about 95.62 liters) or more without any change in its color, taste or odor because of performing Ghusl due to major ritual impurity, then it is permissible to perform Wudu' (ablution) or Ghusl in it. This water will be suitable for purification from major or minor ritual impurities or for removing filth from the body, clothes or a place. If water changes by being mixed with impure things, then it is not suitable for purification at all according to the consensus of scholars. If water changes through continuous Ghusl for purification from major ritual impurities, then using it for purification is controversial among scholars. Therefore, it should not be used for purification in order to avoid controversial matters. If water is lesser in quantity than two Qullas and a Junub performs Ghusl in it, it can not be used for purification from minor or major ritual impurities or for purifying the body, clothes or a place if the water changes due to filth that was upon his body. If the taste, color or odor of the water does not change with filth, then using it in purification is controversial. It is preferable to abstain from using it in purification as long as it is easy to use a different one. (Part No. 5; Page No. 71) Thirdly: It is not permissible to perform Ghusl in ponds in deserts or Masjids as is done by some people. Those who do such things should be advised and guided to give them up. If they follow the advice, it will be good. Otherwise, the ruler should punish them with what is suitable to make them refrain from it. Fourth: Covering one's private parts while one is alone is one of the morals of Islam and one of the requirements of modesty. Covering one's private parts in the presence of anyone other than his wife or slave girl is an obligation. Looking at another's private parts is prohibited except for a wife or a slave girl unless it is necessary to do so. It was reported by Muslim and others on the authority of Abu Sa`id Al-Khudry (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “A man should not look at the private parts of another man; and a woman should not look at the private parts of another woman; and a man should not lie down with another man while naked under one cloth; and a woman should not lie down with another woman while naked under one cloth.” He who sees any person who uncovers his private parts should advise and blame him for doing so. If he does not accept the advice, the ruler should punish him.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.