Using water from a water pipe that was connected illegally

Q: Is water from a water pipe which was connected unauthorisedly with the Govt. water supply scheme for distribution to the authorised consumers but not commissioned till this day, permissible for drinking, ablutions, washing, etc. in view of Islamic rules. The Authority knows and sees but did not taken any legal action against them or regularize the connections.

A: The water has to be paid for in order for its usage to be permissible. The authorities do not own the water. Hence, they cannot allow you to use it without paying for it.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)