Is it permissible to use impure oil for lighting (Istisbah)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
The majority of narrations from Ahmad permit using impure oil for lighting. This is because Ibn Umar commanded that it be used for lighting lamps. It is also permitted to use it to coat a ship. This is the position of Al-Shafi'i. The justification is that it is oil that can be utilized without harm, thus it is permissible, similar to pure oil. A related incident involves dough mixed with water from the wells of Thamud, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade eating it and ordered it used to feed camels.
Supporting text
There is a narration from Ahmad, supported by Ibn al-Mundhir, that it is not permissible to use it for lighting. This is based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) prohibition regarding the fat of a carcass being used for coating ships, oiling hides, or lighting lamps, stating, 'No, it is forbidden.' This prohibition extends to similar instances.