Is it sufficient to perform Ghusl (ritual bathing) with water from a public bathhouse (Hammam)?

Primary text

Ghusl performed with water from the public bathhouse (Hammam) is sufficient. This ruling is established by the companions of Abu Abdullah (Ahmad ibn Hanbal), based on the principle that the default state of water is purity, and this purity is not negated by mere doubt. Imam Ahmad stated that performing Wudu (ablution) with Hammam water is permissible, and further expressed that in his view, Hammam water is pure and analogous to flowing water (al-Ma' al-Jari), as the stagnant water is continually drained and replaced.