❀ Islamic Ruling on Using Newspapers and Disposing Leftover Food ❀
This fatwa is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the verdicts of the Scholars of the Ḥaramayn, translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
① Is it permissible to use newspapers as tablecloths (dastarkhwān)? If not, what should be done with them after reading?
② Some people place leftover food in cartons on the roadside for animals to consume, but cleaning workers often throw it away into waste chambers. Is this acceptable?
① On Using Newspapers:
If newspapers contain Qur'anic verses or other sacred texts, then it is not permissible to use them as:
Instead, such newspapers should be:
✔ Stored in a respectful place,
✔ Burned, or
✔ Buried in clean soil to protect their sanctity.
② On Disposing of Leftover Food:
Leftover food should not be wasted. If poor people are available and can make use of it, then it is obligatory to offer it to them. If no such individuals are nearby, then the food should be respectfully discarded, far from places of dishonor, so that animals may benefit from it.
It is also advised to:
✔ Place such food in bags or containers for protection,
✔ Ensure that municipal authorities instruct their staff to handle such leftovers respectfully,
✔ Designate clean areas for placing such food so animals or livestock owners can collect it.
This method helps preserve the dignity of food and prevents wastage and disrespect.
(Fatwa by: Shaykh Ibn Bāz رحمه الله)
This fatwa is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the verdicts of the Scholars of the Ḥaramayn, translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
❖ Question:
① Is it permissible to use newspapers as tablecloths (dastarkhwān)? If not, what should be done with them after reading?
② Some people place leftover food in cartons on the roadside for animals to consume, but cleaning workers often throw it away into waste chambers. Is this acceptable?
❖ Answer:
① On Using Newspapers:
If newspapers contain Qur'anic verses or other sacred texts, then it is not permissible to use them as:
- Tablecloths (dastarkhwān),
- Wrapping paper,
- Or in any manner that implies disrespect.
Instead, such newspapers should be:
✔ Stored in a respectful place,
✔ Burned, or
✔ Buried in clean soil to protect their sanctity.
② On Disposing of Leftover Food:
Leftover food should not be wasted. If poor people are available and can make use of it, then it is obligatory to offer it to them. If no such individuals are nearby, then the food should be respectfully discarded, far from places of dishonor, so that animals may benefit from it.
It is also advised to:
✔ Place such food in bags or containers for protection,
✔ Ensure that municipal authorities instruct their staff to handle such leftovers respectfully,
✔ Designate clean areas for placing such food so animals or livestock owners can collect it.
This method helps preserve the dignity of food and prevents wastage and disrespect.
(Fatwa by: Shaykh Ibn Bāz رحمه الله)
