Question:-
What is the ruling with regards to Zam Zam water forgotten at airports? Can the water be purchased from the airport authorities, as there is a fear of the water being disrespected if handed over to the wrong people? The airport charges a fee for storage of items. A detailed explanation will be appreciated!
Answer:-
The Zam Zam water left at airports falls in the category of Luqta (a lost item that has been found by someone). The ruling of Luqta is that the owner should be located and the item/s returned to him. If this is not possible, then it should be given to a poor person (without taking any form compensation from him.) In conclusion, it will not be correct to purchase the Zam Zam water (forgotten by passengers) at a price.
If, in your question you are referring to Zam Zam water left at Saudi airports, then surely they will dispose of it correctly as they are aware of the sanctity of the water, and there are unlimited poor Muslim staff and porters employed by the airport (who could qualify as eligible recipients). However, if your reference is to South African airports, then there is a possibility of the water not being revered as majority of the airport staff and officials are non-Muslim. If there is a fear that the water will be disposed of with other impurities, then we suggest that it is purchased (by Muslims that are in a position to do so) and then given over to the poor (that are eligible for Zakaat), as they are rightful recipients of lost items. This in itself is a blessing, as many poor people that do not get the opportunity of enjoying the blessed water, will now be privileged to drink the water. The payment to the airport company could be considered as a gesture of goodwill (for keeping the water), since charging a fee for storage without an agreement is incorrect.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 21 Jumad-al-Ula 1443 / 26 December 2021
