Q: I am studying at a university which has maintained some green areas with fertile soil in the campus for students. Other unmaintained places in the campus have unfertile, dry soil. I have a potted plant in my room and it needed more fertile soil, but I did not know any gardening shop to buy fertile soil from. So I got fertile soil from the maintained green areas and added that to my potted plant.
Is taking this soil from the campus’ maintained green areas permissible or is it stealing?
Also, will it be permissible to take the dry soil from unmaintained areas of the campus?
A: You should inform the authorities who are in charge that you had taken the soil. If they wish to charge you, then they may do so.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)