Using Water from the Holy Mosque for Ablution

Question

A question regarding the validity of performing ablution with water from the reservoirs inside the Holy Mosque in Mecca and the ruling on performing Tawaf with this ablution.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.

Some scholars have mentioned that the officials in the mosque state that the government does not object to performing ablution with this water, thus making the ablution and Tawaf valid.

If this information is accurate, then it is permissible; otherwise, the ruling is as follows:

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):

The water designated for drinking only—such as water from coolers—cannot be used for other purposes.

However, if this water is intended for general use beyond drinking, there is no issue in performing ablution with it, which can be confirmed by the common practice of using it for purposes other than drinking without anyone prohibiting it.

It is a condition for Tawaf to be in a state of purity from both major and minor impurities. If someone who is in a state of impurity performs Tawaf with this ablution, whether intentionally, out of ignorance, or forgetfulness, their Tawaf is invalid.

Source: Official Website + Rituals of Hajj, Conditions of Tawaf

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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):

This is not valid unless one knows that the owner of the water is pleased, or if the water is designated for public use and the ablution does not contradict the purpose of the endowment and is done with the permission of the endowment's trustee.

Conditions for Tawaf include being in a state of purity from major and minor impurities. If someone in a state of major or minor impurity performs Tawaf, their Tawaf is invalid, even if they are unaware or forgetful. They must rectify their Tawaf and prayer, even if they realize the lack of purity after completing the rituals of Umrah or Hajj.

Source: Official Website + Rituals of Hajj, Issue 276 + Issue 283

May you be successful in all good.