Chapter on Water and Its Rules

Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from Musa ibn Al-Qasim Al-Bajali and Abu Qatadah, from Ali ibn Ja’far, narrated from Abu Al-Hasan Al-Awwal عليه السلام: I asked Imam عليه السلام about a man who finds water in a stream or a stagnant pool - can he use it to perform ghusl (ritual purification) for janabah (major impurity) or wudu (ablution) for prayer if he cannot find other water? The water does not reach a sa’ (sufficient quantity for ghusl) or a mudd (sufficient quantity for wudu) and is scattered. What should he do, especially if he fears that wild animals may have drunk from it? Imam عليه السلام said: "If his hand is clean, let him take a handful of water with one hand and sprinkle it behind him, then take another handful and sprinkle it in front of him, and another to his right, and another to his left. If he fears the water will not suffice, he should wash his head three times, then wipe his body with his hand. That will suffice him. If it is for wudu, he should wash his face and wipe his arms, head, and feet. If the water is scattered and he is able to gather it, he should do so. Otherwise, he should use water from each part until he completes his purification. If the water is in one place but insufficient for a complete ghusl, he may use it, pouring it back into the container or source and continuing until he finishes. That will be sufficient for him."