Purity: Definition of Flowing Water

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Ayatullah Sistani

Flowing water

Flowing water is water that: (1) has a natural source, such as a spring, stream, subterranean canal, or meltwater; (2) flows, even if it is made to flow by some means; (3) is continuous, generally speaking. It is not necessary that the water be connected to a natural source; therefore, if it is naturally disconnected from it – such as water falling from above in the form of drops – then as long as it flows on the earth, it is considered to be flowing water. However, if something becomes an obstacle to the water connecting to the source – for example, something becomes an obstacle to the water falling or gushing, or disconnects it from the source – then the remaining water is not ruled to be flowing water even if it flows on the earth.

-Ayatullah Sistani, Practical Laws of Islam, Purification (Taharah)