Resolution No.(184)(17/2012) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:
"Ruling on Using Impure Sludge as Fuel for Manufacturing Cement"
Date: 5/2/1434 AH, corresponding to 19/12/2012 AD.
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
On its tenth session held on the above given date, the Board reviewed the question of the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, which reads as follows: "Sewage treatment plants produce-in addition to treated water- solids called "sludge", which should be gotten rid of, or reused as conditioned by the Jordan Standards. [Al-Khirbah As-Samrah] is one of the largest sewage treatment plants which has produced (200 tons) of sludge since 2007. As a result, substantial amounts of this substance have accumulated in that area. Therefore, there is a tendency to make use of that substance in the best way possible in line with the following priorities: Burning it to produce cement, as this is the best option and the least expensive, or using it as manure, and the like. Could Your Grace be kind enough to consult the experienced scholars in order to clarify the ruling of Islamic Sharia on this issue, taking into consideration that using this sludge as fuel will relieve Jordan`s budget from (500, 000000) in the coming years.?"
After researching and deliberating, the Board decided the following:
The substance-sludge-produced by sewage treatment plants is impure; however, some scholars have permitted using impurity in such case since there is a dire need for it and it can be gotten rid of without causing harm to human beings, or to the environment.
After a representative from the Iftaa` Department has inspected Al-Fohaise Cement Factory, it was found out that the sludge can be used as fuel where it is burnt at a high degree that reaches (1450 centigrade), and this massive heat breaks it down to iron atoms, lime, and similar raw materials attracted by the cement.
As a result, inceniration changes its nature and turns it into a pure substance, as is the opinion of the Hanafite School of Thought and one opinion of the Shafites. These scholars have stated: "If the nature of the impure substance has changed, the cause of impurity has ceased, or it has turned into a different substance in terms of name and features, then this is enough to rule that it is has become pure, because the elements of impurity have vaefore". Therefore, there is no harm in utilizing it in productive fields; especially if it leads to saving the aforesaid amount of money. And Allah Knows Best.
The Grand Mufti of Jordan / His Eminence Sheikh AbdulKareem al-Khasawneh
Prof. Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Abbadi / Member
Dr. Yahia al-Botoosh / Member
Sheikh Sae`id Hijjawi / Member
Dr. Wasif al-Bakhri / Member
Prof. Mohammad al-Qhodat / Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh / Member
Dr. Mohammad Khair Al-Esa / Member
Dr. Mohammad al-Z`obi / Member