Ibn Bazz: Ruling on Performing Istinja' with Zamzam water

( Part No : 10, Page No: 27) 

Ruling on Performing Istinja' with Zamzam water 

Q: Is it permissible to perform Wudu' (ablution) with the water of Zamzam (a well near the Ka`bah)? 

A: The water of Zamzam is revered and blessed according to the Sahih (authentic) Hadith. It was reported inthe Sahih (Book of Hadith) of Muslimthat the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated concerning the water of Zamzam: It is blessed; it is food that nourishes. Another narration reported by Abu Dawud through a good Sanad (chain of narrators) adds, and a cure for disease. 

This Sahih Hadith refers to the virtue of Zamzam water; stating that it is food that nourishes and a cure for disease. The Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) is to drink from it 

as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did. It is permissible to also use it to perform Wudu', Istinja' (cleansing the private parts with water after urination or defecation) and Ghusl (bath following major ceremonial impurity) if necessary. 

It was authentically reported that water sprang from between the fingers of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the people used it to meet their needs; they drank, performed Wudu', washed their clothes and performed Istinja'. All of this took place. 

The water of Zamzam is not like the water that sprang from among the fingers of the Prophet (peace be upon him), for there can be nothing superior to that, but both kinds of water are blessed. So if it was permitted to perform Wudu', Ghusl, Istinja' and wash clothes from the water that sprang from between the fingers of the prophet (peace be upon him), it is permissible also to use the water of Zamzam in the same ways. In any case, it is good and pure water that is recommended for drinking. However, there is nothing wrong with performing Wudu', washing clothes or performing Istinja' with it if necessary, as we mentioned above. 

( Part No : 10, Page No: 28) 

It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for. The Sanad of this Hadith is weak. However, its meaning is supported by the Sahih Hadith mentioned above. All praise is due to Allah.