Flow of Guidance: Prophet's Lessons on Water Conservation
Dr. MAH Azhari
In the vast mosaic of existence, water stands as the shimmering thread that binds all life forms. From the tiniest microbes to the towering giants of the natural world. Ismail Serageldin, the former Vice President of the World Bank, eloquently captured the significance of managing the water resources when he remarked, "If the wars of this century were fought over oil, the wars of the next century will be fought over water, unless we change our approach to managing this precious and vital resource."
Indeed, water's importance surpasses mere sustenance; it has emerged as a focal point of contention across our planet. Consider the tumultuous events of history, where the flow of rivers has become a catalyst for conflict. The Six-Day War of 1967 stands as a poignant example, as disputes over the waters of the Jordan River fuelled tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Plans by Syria to harness the river's power through dam construction ignited fierce clashes, underscoring the profound implications of water security.
The occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, in part driven by access to vital underground aquifers, further illustrates the intricate relationship between water and geopolitics. Similarly, conflicts like the Iraq-American war were not merely battles for territory or resources but also struggles for control over the life-giving waters of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. Closer home, the Indus River treaty continues to pose a diplomatic puzzle between India and Pakistan, while the erection of the Farakka Dam strained relations between India and Bangladesh, underscoring the delicate balance of transboundary water governance. Despite water enveloping seventy percent of our planet's surface, a mere three percent remains accessible for human consumption, a stark reminder of the fragility of our freshwater resources.
In 2015, the World Economic Forum sounded the alarm, declaring water scarcity as the paramount global risk. Astonishingly, one-third of humanity faces severe shortages for at least one month each year, with half a billion enduring perpetual scarcity. This crisis stems from a myriad of factors, explosive population growth, rampant deforestation, unchecked pollution, and rising living standards. All converging to strain our water supplies to breaking point. The UNICEF JMP Report of 2008 paints a sobering portrait of our world, where millions lack access to safe drinking water and billions suffer from inadequate sanitation, leading to widespread pollution and disease. The spectre of conflict looms large as nations vie for control over dwindling water resources, escalating tensions to the brink of war. Moreover, the scourge of waterborne diseases claims countless lives, as witnessed in the tragic Minamata Disease outbreak of 1956—a stark testament to the devastating toll of water contamination on human health. The United Nations World Water Report of 2011 lays bare the root causes of our water woes—mismanagement, corruption, bureaucratic inertia, and woeful underinvestment in infrastructure and human capital. It underscores the urgent imperative for effective water management practices if we are to avert catastrophe.
The timeless wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) echoes through the ages, exhorting us to cherish every precious drop of water. Initiatives like the 'Active Organic Spring' water company, inspired by the Prophet's teachings, remind us of our sacred duty to safeguard this invaluable resource for future generations. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasized the sanctity of water in numerous Hadith. One such Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira states: "The Prophet (PBUH) said, 'There are three types of people whom Allah will neither speak to, nor look at, on the Day of Resurrection. Among them includes a man who withholds his superfluous water.
Allah will say to him, Today I will withhold My Grace from you as you withheld the superfluity of what you had not created.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) These teachings underscore the importance of respecting and preserving water resources as a trust from Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) admonished against wastefulness and encouraged moderation in water usage as he advocates “Do not waste water even if you are at a running stream.”
Therefore, as stewards of this precious gift, it is incumbent upon us to heed these teachings and adopt sustainable practices in managing our water consumption. By honouring the sanctity of water and practicing responsible stewardship, we can fulfil our duty as custodians of the Earth and ensure its abundance for generations to come.
Indeed, water's importance surpasses mere sustenance; it has emerged as a focal point of contention across our planet. Consider the tumultuous events of history, where the flow of rivers has become a catalyst for conflict. The Six-Day War of 1967 stands as a poignant example, as disputes over the waters of the Jordan River fuelled tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Plans by Syria to harness the river's power through dam construction ignited fierce clashes, underscoring the profound implications of water security.
The occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, in part driven by access to vital underground aquifers, further illustrates the intricate relationship between water and geopolitics. Similarly, conflicts like the Iraq-American war were not merely battles for territory or resources but also struggles for control over the life-giving waters of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. Closer home, the Indus River treaty continues to pose a diplomatic puzzle between India and Pakistan, while the erection of the Farakka Dam strained relations between India and Bangladesh, underscoring the delicate balance of transboundary water governance. Despite water enveloping seventy percent of our planet's surface, a mere three percent remains accessible for human consumption, a stark reminder of the fragility of our freshwater resources.
In 2015, the World Economic Forum sounded the alarm, declaring water scarcity as the paramount global risk. Astonishingly, one-third of humanity faces severe shortages for at least one month each year, with half a billion enduring perpetual scarcity. This crisis stems from a myriad of factors, explosive population growth, rampant deforestation, unchecked pollution, and rising living standards. All converging to strain our water supplies to breaking point. The UNICEF JMP Report of 2008 paints a sobering portrait of our world, where millions lack access to safe drinking water and billions suffer from inadequate sanitation, leading to widespread pollution and disease. The spectre of conflict looms large as nations vie for control over dwindling water resources, escalating tensions to the brink of war. Moreover, the scourge of waterborne diseases claims countless lives, as witnessed in the tragic Minamata Disease outbreak of 1956—a stark testament to the devastating toll of water contamination on human health. The United Nations World Water Report of 2011 lays bare the root causes of our water woes—mismanagement, corruption, bureaucratic inertia, and woeful underinvestment in infrastructure and human capital. It underscores the urgent imperative for effective water management practices if we are to avert catastrophe.
The timeless wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) echoes through the ages, exhorting us to cherish every precious drop of water. Initiatives like the 'Active Organic Spring' water company, inspired by the Prophet's teachings, remind us of our sacred duty to safeguard this invaluable resource for future generations. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasized the sanctity of water in numerous Hadith. One such Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira states: "The Prophet (PBUH) said, 'There are three types of people whom Allah will neither speak to, nor look at, on the Day of Resurrection. Among them includes a man who withholds his superfluous water.
Allah will say to him, Today I will withhold My Grace from you as you withheld the superfluity of what you had not created.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) These teachings underscore the importance of respecting and preserving water resources as a trust from Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) admonished against wastefulness and encouraged moderation in water usage as he advocates “Do not waste water even if you are at a running stream.”
Therefore, as stewards of this precious gift, it is incumbent upon us to heed these teachings and adopt sustainable practices in managing our water consumption. By honouring the sanctity of water and practicing responsible stewardship, we can fulfil our duty as custodians of the Earth and ensure its abundance for generations to come.