Ibn Majah

Benefits and Issues:

➊
The water that comes from rivers and streams is obtained by people without cost, and it is used for agriculture; therefore, everyone has a right to it.

➋
Whoever’s land comes first along the path of the water has the right to water his crops first. After giving a reasonable amount of water, he should let the water flow for the land of the next person, as is mentioned in Chapter 20.

➌
When water is transported from one place to another, it can be sold there at a reasonable price, just as wood brought from the forest without cost can be sold in the city.

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: If a person feels the need to rest near the time of dawn, he should avoid lying down in such a manner that he falls into a deep sleep. Rather, he should rest while sitting in such a way that waking up for the prayer becomes easy.

(1) Water is a fundamental necessity for humans and animals. Survival is not possible without it, and Allah, the Exalted, has provided abundant water free of charge. If one has water in excess of one’s own thirst, then it is obligatory to give it free of charge to a thirsty person. And if one has water in excess of one’s own needs for ablution (wudu), ritual bath (ghusl), etc., then it is necessary to provide it free of charge for ablution, ritual bath, and similar needs. However, if water is required for commercial purposes, then it may be sold—for example, for agricultural needs or for making ice, etc. Similarly, if expenses are incurred or labor is required to obtain the water, such as bringing it from a distance or carrying it, then compensation may be taken in accordance with the expenses and labor. This is not the price of the water itself, but rather compensation for the expenses and labor, and there is no harm in this. However, no thirsty human or animal may be prevented from drinking water.