Is land containing a potential mineral deposit or a site suitable for a sea-based resource appropriable through revitalization (Ihya)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Reviving Dead Land

Book 26 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

A dormant or unowned area (*mawat*) where a visible mineral deposit or a site suitable for extracting a sea resource, such as land on the seashore where seawater would become salt upon reaching it, is considered property owned through revitalization (*Ihya*). It is permissible for the Imam (ruler) to grant such land as a fief (*iqta*). This is because establishing such a resource does not restrict Muslims; rather, its benefit is newly created by the action of the revitalizer. Therefore, it is not prevented, similar to other unowned barren lands. Revitalization of such a site is achieved by preparing it for its intended use, such as digging the earth, leveling the ground, and opening a channel to bring the water to it, as these actions constitute preparation for its utility.