Is Dumping Waste in Open Areas Permissible When No System Exists?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
How should I dispose of my garbage when my area has no waste-management system and people use an open, possibly private, area for dumping?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Islam offers beautiful general principles rather than specific procedures for matters such as this: In essence, you should choose the method that results in the least harm, minimizes waste, and best fulfills our duty as responsible stewards of Allah’s earth. And Allah knows best.
Custodianship
Allah( Most High) describes human beings as custodians (khulafa) on the earth, entrusted with caring for it according to His law. This custodianship requires acting responsibly, ethically, and with concern for harm and benefit.
Allah Most High says:
“Indeed, I am placing upon the earth a khalifa.”[Quran, 2:30]
The word khalifa here refers to one entrusted with responsibility, authority, and accountability on earth, acting according to Allah’s commands as opposed to personal desire.
Allah also says:
“It is He who has made you successors (khala’if) upon the earth.” [Quran, 6:165]
And:
“Then We made you successors on the earth after them so that We may see how you act.” [Quran, 10:14]
These verses establish that human beings are entrusted with the earth and will be held accountable for their actions within it (and in relation to it).
Minimizing Harm
One of the foundational principles of Sacred Law is the maxim: “There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm.” [Ibn Maja]. Any method of waste disposal that harms people, animals, property, or the environment transgresses this principle.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) exemplified deep care for the environment and creation. He warned against waste even when using water from a flowing river, and showed sensitivity toward animals and plants. He emphasized cleanliness, saying: “Purity is half of faith,” [Muslim] and taught that, “Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the, removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is a branch of faith”, which implies that placing harm there is blameworthy. [Muslim]
Overall, these teachings confirm that caring for the environment, maintaining cleanliness, and preventing harm are essential aspects of Islam.
Rules We May Deduce
- It is impermissible to dump garbage in places that harm others, public pathways, water sources, or private property without permission.
- One should seek the least harmful and most responsible option available, even under challenging circumstances.
- Composting biodegradable waste is commendable, as it minimizes harm and can benefit the environment.
- Recycling is encouraged, as it reduces waste, “and Allah does not love those who waste” [Quran, 7:31].
- Toxic materials should not be burned or buried if doing so would cause greater harm than disposing of them.
Allah Most High knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
