Atıksuların Arıtılıp Yeniden Kullanılmasının Fıkhî Boyutu
The Fiqh Dimension of Reusing Treated Wastewater

Summary/Abstract: Today, access to sufficient quantities of water cannot be ensured in various regions around the world. In places where water is not available to extent necessary for drinking or agriculture, wastewater is considered an alternative source. After undergoing purification at varying levels, it is used in sectors like farming, green spaces, industry and toilet, as well as for drinking purposes as needed. The fiqh ruling on the reuse of treated wastewater holds great importance in shaping the attitude towards wastewater in Muslim societies. There is no direct information regarding the ruling of this practice -made possible through advancements in science and technology- within the naṣṣ and fiqh sources. However, there are ḥadīths that address the conditions of water used for drinking and religious purification, as well as juristic opinions on the permissibility of using water containing najis elements in agriculture. By evaluating these naṣṣ and relevant jurisprudential approaches, it is possible to determine rulings regarding the use of treated wastewater in the aforementioned areas. Based on this study, where data analysis and takhrīj method were used, it has been concluded that if wastewater is treated in a way that removes impurity, bacteria, and viruses, it will be considered ṭāhir (pure) and muṭahhir (purifying). While such treated wastewater may be permissible for drinking, ablution, and ritual bathing, it is preferable, in consideration of human nature, to source water for these purposes from natural origins. When wastewater intended for use in aquaculture ponds undergoes advanced treatment, it is completely purified from najis elements. From a fiqh perspective, it is also appropriate to use water purified to this extent - necessary for the health of aquatic life and consumers-in such ponds. In the legislation, agricultural workers and consumers's health is protected by keeping the treatment levels of wastewater to be used for watering agricultural products low, and it is aimed to protect the minerals in water that are productive for soil and plants. Since plants only benefit from the parts of najis elements that have undergone istiḥāla, the products of plants irrigated with treated wastewater are not affected by impurity. Therefore, from a fiqh standpoint, using purified wastewater for irrigation does not cause harm, provided that the plants, soil, workers, and consumers are not adversely affected. Similarly, it is seen that the compliance with human health is determined as a criterion in the treatment standards of wastewater used in irrigating green areas, cooling and floor cleaning processes in factories, and toilet cleaning. Although it is jāiz (permissible) to use wastewater in these contexts once it meets the required standards, it may also be considered wājib (obligatory) depending on the necessity. Since the wastewater applications protect natural water resources, prevent environmental pollution that may arise from wastewater and enhance the nation's economy, it holds value for the authorities to provide the necessary legal regulations and guidance for their dissemination in areas where they are jāiz.

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