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Fatwa CenterCockroaches and the surfaces which they pass by
Question
Is the cockroach impure? I mean both types: the wood cockroach as well as the other type which lives in sewage outlets. Are the surfaces which they come in contact with, like mats, utensils and furniture, rendered impure? This insect spreads during certain seasons in a disturbing manner and it is difficult to clean everything which it contacts. Are these surfaces rendered impure for this? When I stand on such surfaces, do my feet become impure?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
The cockroach which generates from pure substances, such as wood and similar objects, is pure whether it is living or dead. Contrary, the cockroach which generates from impure objects, such as that which lives in toilets and sinks, is impure whether it is living or dead. Nevertheless, when these cockroaches pass over the ground, mats or any other surfaces, it is not turned impure, according to the sound opinion of the scholars. That is because it is difficult to prevent these cockroaches and clean the places which they pass by. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
· {He Has Chosen you and Has not Placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.} [Quran 22: 78]
· {Allaah Intends for you ease and Does not Intend for you hardship.} [Quran 2: 185]
This means that difficulty and hardship are not intended in religion. Nevertheless, if the cockroaches which live in impure places leave any traces of impurity in the places which they pass by, it must be cleansed since it is not difficult because this rarely takes place.
Allaah Knows best.
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