Resolution No.(217)(7/2015) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies: "Ruling on Irrigating with Treated Waste Water"
Date: 24/ Zolhijjah/1436 AH, corresponding to 8/10/2015 AD.
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
On the above given date, the Board reviewed the question sent by his Excellency, the Secretary-General of the Water Authority, Mr. Habashneh, and it reads as follows:
I would like to attract your attention to the fact that waste water treatment plants produce water in accordance with the latest international techniques that meet international and local standards.
It is important to use this water in line with the Jordanian waste water treatment quality standards, and for different uses; especially, the restricted irrigation, through securing large quantities of clean irrigation water. Would you clarify the opinion of Islamic Sharia on using treated waste water for irrigation?
After researching and deliberating, the Board arrived at the following view:
It is permissible to irrigate with treated waste water and to eat from the fruit of such plantation because the ruling pertaining to the fruit isn`t affected by whether the water is pure or impure. This is indicated by the question directed to Al-Imam An-Nawawi: "If the plantation and the fruit were irrigated with filthy water, or their soil was fertilized with it, is it lawful to eat their product? He replied: yes, it is." {Fatwas of An-Nawawi}.
However, it is imperative to abide by the sanitary regulations stipulated in this regard in order not to pollute the environment, ruin the plantation and the fruits, or cause harm to human beings. Moreover, scientific and medical standards should be observed as well. And Allah knows best.
The Grand Mufti of Jordan / His Eminence Sheikh AbdulKareem al-Khasawneh
Prof. Abdulnasser Abulbasal / Member
Dr. Yahia al-Botoosh / Member
Sheikh Sae`id Hijjawi / Member
Dr. Wasif al-Bakhri / Member
Prof. Mohammad al-Qhodat / Member
Dr. Mohammad al-Khalayleh / Member
Dr. Mohammad Khair al-Esa / Member
Dr. Mohammad al-Z`obi / Member