Date : 23-04-2026

Question :

What is the ruling on water that contains ornamental fish — does it become impure on account of their waste?

The Answer :

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.


The water in a pond containing ornamental fish is pure so long as it has not been altered, for a small amount of fish waste (rawth) is pardoned and overlooked — provided it does not change the water.


It is stated in Ḥāshiyat al-Jamal ʿalā Sharḥ al-Manhaj (Vol.1/P.178): "A small amount of hair from a non-edible animal is pardoned, as is a small amount of hair from a riding animal — on account of the hardship involved in avoiding it — and likewise a small amount of fish waste is pardoned, unless it alters the water." And Allah the Almighty knows best.