Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Resolution No.(184): "Ruling on Using Impure Sludge as Fuel for Manufacturing Cement"

Date Added : 17-11-2015

 

Resolution No.(184)(17/2012) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:

"Ruling on Using  Impure Sludge as Fuel for Manufacturing Cement"

Date: 5/2/1434 AH, corresponding to 19/12/2012 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 its tenth session held on the above given date, the Board reviewed the question of the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, which reads as follows: "Sewage treatment plants produce-in addition to treated water- solids called "sludge", which should be gotten rid of, or reused as conditioned by the Jordan Standards. [Al-Khirbah As-Samrah] is one of the largest sewage treatment plants which has produced (200 tons) of sludge since 2007. As a result, substantial amounts of this substance have accumulated in that area. Therefore, there is a tendency to make use  of that substance in the best way possible in line with the following priorities: Burning it to produce cement, as this is the best option and the least expensive, or using it as manure, and the like. Could Your Grace be kind enough to consult the experienced scholars in order to clarify the ruling of Islamic Sharia on this issue, taking into consideration that using this sludge as fuel will relieve Jordan`s budget from (500, 000000) in the coming years.?"

After researching and deliberating, the Board decided the following:

The substance-sludge-produced by sewage treatment plants is impure; however, some scholars have permitted using impurity in such case since there is a dire need for it and it can be gotten rid of without causing harm to human beings, or to the environment.

After a representative from the Iftaa` Department has inspected  Al-Fohaise Cement Factory, it was found out that the sludge can be used as fuel where it is burnt at a high degree that reaches (1450 centigrade), and this massive heat breaks it down to iron atoms, lime, and similar raw materials attracted by the cement.

As a result, inceniration changes its nature and turns it into a pure substance, as is the opinion of the Hanafite School of Thought and one opinion of the Shafites. These scholars have stated: "If the nature of the impure substance has changed, the cause of impurity has ceased, or it has turned into a different substance in terms of  name and features, then this is enough to rule that it is has become pure, because the elements of impurity have vaefore". Therefore, there is no harm in utilizing  it in productive fields; especially if it leads to saving the aforesaid amount of money. And Allah Knows Best.

 

The Grand Mufti of Jordan / His Eminence Sheikh AbdulKareem al-Khasawneh

Prof. Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Abbadi / 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

 

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

Is washing the private part after urinating (Istinjaa`) a condition, and is it done with water and soap, or with water only?

Istinjaa` is obligatory for removing impurity, and it can be done with toilet paper, or a stone, or water. It is preferable to do Istinjaa` first with paper, or stone, or the like, then to wash the private part with water until making sure that the impurity has been removed. Using soap is not a condition, but there is no harm in doing so provided that it is washed off with water. It is also permissible to use either water, or paper if impurity is removed by any.

Does having a wet dream during the day in Ramadan break the fast?

Having a wet dream during the day in Ramadan does not invalidate the fast. However, one must perform ghusl (ritual purification) to ensure they do not miss their prayers.

What is the ruling on having an intention (Niyyah) for every prayer?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
Intention (Niyyah) is a pillar (Rukn) without which the prayer is not valid. The worshiper must have an intention for every prayer, meaning they must consciously intend the act of worship they are performing. Its timing must coincide with the opening Takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram). It is not a requirement to utter it verbally; rather, doing so is considered a recommended Sunnah. There are three levels of intention:
 
1-If the prayer is obligatory (Fard): It is mandatory to include the Intent (to pray), the Specification (which prayer, e.g., 'Asr), and the Obligation (recognizing it as a Fard). For example, one should bring to mind or say: 'I intend to pray the Fard of 'Asr.'
 
2-If it is a voluntary prayer restricted by a specific time or cause (Sunnah Muqayyadah): It is mandatory to include the Intent and the Specification. For example: 'I intend to pray the Sunnah before Zuhr' or 'I intend to pray Duha.'
 
3-If it is an absolute voluntary prayer (Nafl Mutlaq): It is sufficient to simply have the Intent to pray. For example: 'I intend to pray.'
 
And Allah the Exalted knows best.

What is the ruling on the Friday bath (ghusl al-Jumu'ah)?

The Friday bath is a confirmed Sunnah, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whoever performs ablution on Friday, it is good for him, and whoever takes a bath, bathing is better." (Reported by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi who said it is a hasan hadith). It is recommended for everyone who wants to attend the Friday prayer, even if they are not from its usual attendees, like a woman or a boy.
If a person is in a state of major impurity (junub) and intends by his bath both lifting the major impurity and the Friday bath, he achieves both. If he intends only one of them, he achieves only what he intended. And Allah the Almighty knows best.