Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I am moving to a new house as I recently got married. The house, which we purchased, will be left fully furnished. One of the items that the couple (non-Muslim) are leaving behind is a fridge freezer, which is in a very good condition, and it would be a waste of money if I were to throw it out or give it to someone, as I am not in the position to buy such items. My question is, am I allowed to use this fridge since the couple will have kept haram in the fridge. Do I need to purify it before I use it and how? And if I do need to purify the fridge, will the same rule apply to the cooker, beds, couches etc. I know with the carpet you mentioned washing it three times would suffice. But how do I apply this rule to other things in the house.
Assalamu alaikum,
The initial assumption and operating certainty about all things is that they are pure until proven otherwise. As such, the freezer and other things in the house will be considered pure (tahir) and not filthy (najis).
Thus, you are not obliged to purify it. At the same time, it would be good to simply wipe the inside of the fridge with a wetted cloth and then a dry onewiping is sufficient to purify smooth surfaces in the Hanafi school. [al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya (1.43), quoting al-Muhit, al-Inaya, al-Tabyin]
Is there a dua or special practice to do for a new home?
In general, it is good to pray 2 rakats of voluntary prayer (or more), and then to make dua that Allah make the house a place of baraka, serenity, worship, and good.
It may be good to have a dinner once one settles in, inviting people you know there and those you are beginning to know.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) was asked, “What is the best of faith?” He said (peace and blessings be upon him),
“Feed others, and give salams to those you know and those you do not know.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Such hadiths are understood to mean, Among the best of faith ’ as the scholars explain.
Wassalam,