Water is an essential aspect of our life in this world

“Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research is a research institute which aims to instill conviction and inspire contribution based on mainstream Islamic texts.” As one of the most common and ubiquitous elements of human society, it is very easy to take water for granted. We very rarely take the time to think about how much we rely on water, and how catastrophic it would be if it were taken away from us. This is one of the reasons why water is a very common example used in the Qur’an, which emphasizes water as an essential part of our existence. It also establishes an awareness of our use and relationship with water which can contribute to better management and preservation of our water resources. Here are a few ways in which the Qur’an emphasizes the importance of water.

It was the starting point for every living thing

“Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?” Qur’an 21:30

It is a resource we get directly from Allah

“Have you seen the water which you drink? Was it you who sent it down from the rain cloud, or did We send it? Were it Our Will, We could have made it bitter; why then do you not give thanks?” Quran 56: 68-70 “Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the Earth], then who could bring you flowing water?” Quran 67:30

Its use carries many spiritual and legal responsibilities

Ali ibn Abi Talib said,

“Partake of it gladly, so long as you are a benefactor, not a despoiler, a cultivator, not a destroyer.”

Moreover, statements from the Prophet ﷺ such as,

“There shall be no harm, nor reciprocating of harm,”[49] are used by Bāqādir to support the belief that precautionary measures should be taken in protecting water.

It should not be hoarded or used to hurt others

“And tell them the water should be shared between them.” Quran 54:28

It should never be wasted

“Even if you take ablutions in a flowing river, do not waste water.” Prophet Muhammad ﷺ