Untreated Sewage

Jaabir (radi Allahu anhu) narrated: “The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) forbade urinating in flowing water.” [Muslim]

Water is an extremely precious commodity without which human life cannot exist. Human waste is filth and impure (Najas). Therefore, we are not allowed to contaminate water with waste. Even if we are in the wilderness, we should find a suitable place to relieve ourselves and not urinate in stagnant or flowing water.

Where urination is forbidden, it follows that defecation (also Najas) is equally forbidden. Therefore, Muslim communities have to ensure that their sewage does not end up untreated in water.