On a quiet relaxed weekend morning, I was slumped on the sofa enjoying my favourite book, when I became distracted by the sound of heavy rain. I sat back and glanced out of the window but to my surprise, it wasn’t raining. I went up to look where the sound was coming from – someone had left the shower running to heat up the bathroom and the water. As I was walking back down the stairs an image flashed before my mind of children in parts of the world who walk for miles to get a little water to survive and it made me think how it is so easy to forget about other people around the world who are in desperate need for something that is taken advantage of water.
Water is an important means of survival and a blessing for us the Holy Qur’an says, and it is Allah “Who gives me food and gives me drink” [26:80].
Clean, freshwater helps our brains function, little access to clean water increases the risk of disease and long-term health problems that can be prevented. By donating to projects like the Humanity First Water for Life project we can contribute towards the range of clean water solutions being provided for people in low-income countries.
Leaving the tap running whilst brushing our teeth or washing dishes has become the norm in many households. We should try to reduce the amount of food and drink we waste to please Allah and help the environment as he has sent “down from the sky water which is full of blessings, and we produce therewith gardens and grain harvests” [50:10], consequently, we should reuse and recycle water. Recycling is a process and regarded as a key part of the green movement. Recycling doesn’t mean we can only renew certain materials like plastics, paper and glass. Recycling water helps to conserve energy as well as other natural resources. Islam guides us to consider our environment and our surroundings the Holy Qur’an says,
“He it is Who sends down water for you from the clouds; out of it you have your drink, and there grow from it trees on which you pasture your cattle.” [16:11]
By installing a rain barrel, collected rainwater can be boiled to drink and wash dishes or vegetables. Water used for washing clothes can be recollected and used to mop floors or be used in toilets or for plants. Also, by reusing water from a glass or bottle, you can feed your plants, rinse or soak dishes or use it to flush the toilet. Most water we use in the kitchen can be recycled: leftover tea water without sugar can be used to feed plants. Additionally, the water used to wash vegetables is 100% reusable to wash dishes, clean the house, feed the plants or flush the toilet. When we cook pasta, the water doesn’t need to be thrown down the drain, the colander can be placed over a large pot and the pasta water can be used in the garden. Whilst waiting for the shower to warm up, we can collect the excess water in a bucket to wash the dishes or cook with. There are various ways to recycle water outdoors too, for example, whilst watering plants, the drain water from plant pots can be collected with a thick waterproof sheet or box and used to flush the toilet or water other plants.
The Holy Quran mentions “Say, Tell me, if all your water were to disappear in the earth, who then will bring you clear flowing water?” [67:31]
This verse informs us that all life whether physical or spiritual depends on water. We are ever grateful to Allah that he has provided us with water on the earth to drink and grow crops from. It is good to be thankful and mindful instead of wasting.
The Holy Quran says “Do you see the water which you drink? Is it you who send it down from the clouds, or are We the Sender? If We so pleased, We could make it bitter. Why, then, are you not grateful?” [56:69-71].
If we find ways to save the environment and help others, we will be rewarded for it in the hereafter: “and if they keep to the right path, We shall certainly provide them with abundant water to drink” [72:17]
“Remember me, and I will remember you; and be thankful to me and do not be ungrateful to me” [2:153].
[1] https://www.alislam.org/quran/26:80
[2] https://www.alislam.org/quran/50:10
[3] https://www.alislam.org/quran/16:11
[4] https://www.alislam.org/quran/67:31
[5] https://www.alislam.org/quran/view/?page=3194®ion=E55
[6] https://www.alislam.org/quran/56:69
[7] https://www.alislam.org/quran/72:17
[8] https://www.alislam.org/quran/2:153