Fatwa ID: 08553

 

 

Answered by Maulana Nuski Cassim

 

Question:

 

I have a question regarding purity. I work in a workplace with non-muslims, where there is a communal kitchen. As I did not have a fork with me, I decided to use one from the kitchen and selected one from the clean utensils.

 

The first fork I picked up had a faint white or clear mark on it, which did not appear to be food. However, feeling uncertain, I rinsed it under the tap, and the mark disappeared, leading me to think it was likely just a water stain. In the process, some of the water touched my thumb. I did not give it much thought at the time, as I neither noticed an impure smell nor any visible impurity. I also understand the principle that everything is considered pure unless proven otherwise.

 

However, due to my hesitation, I ended up selecting another fork that appeared completely clean. My question is: Were my actions permissible, and can I be certain that I have not spread any impurity?

 

 

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer:

 

‘Water spots’ or the twirl marks/dry water marks that appear after some time on utensils after having washed them is something common. They are usually caused by several factors such as hard water, too much detergent or a lack of rinse aid.

 

You have correctly mentioned that the default ruling regarding things is that of purity, unless there is absolute proof showing otherwise.[1]

 

Doubt is not a proof in the religion, nor does it do away with certainty or the default ruling of purity.[2]

 

Furthermore, you mentioned that whilst at work you had picked up a clean fork [which mostly likely had a water spot] and in addition to this you went a step further [despite its cleanliness] and rinsed it under the tap—this course of action clearly establishes purity. Thus, the water that touched your thumb afterwards is pure. As for you selecting another fork due to your hesitation, this is permissible though not necessary.

 

Going forward, however, we’d advise that you not hesitate or overthink the matter. It is enough to pick up a fork that you know to be clean, and for the sake of contentment you may give it a quick rinse under the tap and not exceed beyond this.

 

 

 

References:

 

1.  وأن الحاجة تنزل منزلة الضرورة مادامت متعينة، وأن الأصل في الأشياء الإباحة مالم يقم دليل معتبر على الحرمة، كما أن الأصل في الأشياء كلها الطهارة مالم يقم دليل معتبر على النجاسة.

[كتاب الفقه الاسلامي وادلته، ج.٧، صفحة ٥٢٦٤، دار الفكر]

 

2. الشك والاحتمال لا يوجب الحكم بالنقض، إذ اليقين لا يزول بالشك

[ رد المحتار، ج. ١، صفحة ١٤٨، مكتبة الشاملة]

 

 

3. لأنه لما كان ثابتا بيقين فيبقى إلى أن يوجد المزيل بيقين

[البحر الرائق، ج. ١، صفحة ١٤١، مكتبة الشاملة]

 

 

 

 

Only Allah s.w.t knows best.

Written by Maulana Nuski Cassim

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham