Water management in Islam

Needless to say that Islam is the message of Allah (the One and Only) that cannot be distorted or altered. It is the message with which the Prophet Mohammed (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) was sent to convey to all people. This law encompasses all the needs and circumstances surrounding human life irrespective of sect, nationality or geographic location. In fact, Islam acknowledges that every country has its own laws. Since the nineteenth century, Islamic countries have engaged in diplomatic relations with other countries of the world in accordance with the western laws in an effort to harmonize these laws with Islamic laws. It is; therefore, imperative that such harmony can be achieved in relation with contemporary water related issues. It is a well established fact that Islam, through encompassing moral guidance and principles, has been able to go beyond the regional and international borders throughout the years simply because such guidance emanate from Allah Almighty. Thus, the Islamic doctrine as related to water issues contains laws and regulations that can not be in any way matched by the western laws. This paper addresses three basic categories, including: 1) a general overview of the miraculous might of Allah Almighty in creating water as the sole and only origin of life “We made from water every living thing” (Soorat Al-Anbea, Verse 30); 2) the importance of rationalization, conservation and protection of water resources “O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: but waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters” (Soorat Al-A’raf, Verse 31); 3) an overview of the Islamic laws that govern water rights and uses and ways of implementing these laws. In brief, the importance of water in Islam is manifested in two ways: a) emphasis on genuine belief that leads to moral conduct by human beings to avoid the punishment of Allah Almighty in the day after and b) exercising rational practices to maintain the purity and availability of the water resources and to protect them from the numerous sources of hazards. Furthermore, the predominant practices of the various communities throughout the world as related to water resources have gained a considerable attention in Islamic laws. These practices contain pivotal laws that are vital to the welfare of these communities. The paper, therefore, suggests a number of recommendations including contemplation, search and meditation in the wonders 502 of Allah Almighty, with water being one of these wonders as such path would ultimately lead to reviving the dead hearts and enlightening the dead minds.