22/8. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1566a — Sharing Excess Water
The prohibition of selling surplus water which is in the wilderness and is needed to take care of the pasture. The prohibition of not allowing others to use it. The prohibition of Stud fees
Hadith About Sharing Excess Water and Water Rights in Islam
Sahih Muslim : 1566a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1566a
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ ح وَحَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا لَيْثٌ، كِلاَهُمَا عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " لاَ يُمْنَعُ فَضْلُ الْمَاءِ لِيُمْنَعَ بِهِ الْكَلأُ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Excess water must not be withheld so that the growth of herbage may be hindered.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1566aIn-book reference : Book 22, Hadith 45USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 10, Hadith 3800
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1566a
This Hadith about sharing excess water gives a clear lesson on fair use of natural resources. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that extra water must not be withheld in a way that stops herbage from growing. The main point is simple: a person should not use control over water to block others from benefit. Water helps pasture grow, and pasture supports animals. So, withholding surplus water can harm more than one need at the same time. This Hadith on water rights in Islam teaches care, fairness, and responsibility. It reminds us that access to needed resources should not be used as a tool to stop lawful benefit for others.
What we learn from this hadith
- Excess water should not be withheld when others may need it for pasture.
- Control over a resource should not be used to block wider benefit.
- Islam teaches fairness in matters linked to water and grazing.
- A small act of withholding can cause wider harm to people and animals.
