Does a woman being alone with the water affect its ruling if the seclusion is related to partial washing, renewal of Wudu, washing away filth (Istinja), or removing general impurity?
Chapter on What Necessitates Ghusl
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
If a woman is alone with the water concerning washing a part of her body, renewing minor ablution, performing Istinja, or washing away filth, there are two views. One view mandates prohibition because it constitutes a prescribed purification (Tahara Shar'iyyah). The second view permits it, arguing that absolute purification refers only to the complete removal of major ritual impurity.
Supporting text
If a non-Muslim woman (Dhimmiyyah) is alone with the water while performing Ghusl, there are two views. One is that it is treated like the seclusion of a Muslim woman because her status is less pure, and her washing is linked to a religious ruling (permissibility of intercourse after menstruation Ghusl). The second view is that it is inconsequential because her purification is invalid, rendering her situation like mere cooling. If a woman is alone with the water for cooling, cleaning, or washing a garment of dirt, it has no effect because it is not an act of purification.