WATER
CONSERVATION
The
sending down of water is a mercy unto mankind as attested by
the following verses of the Quran: "We sent down pure
water." (25:48)
"We
send forth the winds which fill the clouds with water and We
make the rain descend from the sky. Then we grant it to you
for drinking and you do not have control of its
treasures." (15:22)
Commenting
on this verse, Allamah Shabbir Ahmad Uthmani Rahmatullahi
alaih states: "The rainy winds bring heavy clouds filled
with water. Then the rain descends from these clouds and fills
the rivers, springs and wells for your benefit. If Allah
willed, He would not have made it drinkable. However out of
his compassion, He made very sweet and palatable water collect
in the crevices of the earth for your drinking purposes
throughout the 12 months. Furthermore you do not have any
authority over the treasures of rain nor are the springs and
wells in your control. When Allah wills, He sends down the
rain. Neither can you prevent it nor can you bring it when you
desire. If He dries up the water of the wells and springs or
He makes it go deeper into the ground beyond the reach of man,
then how can you have control over it?
Mufti
Muhammad Shafee Rahmatullahi alaih writes: "This divine
system of providing water has thousands of bounties within it.
Firstly, it is a great favour (of Allah) to create this water.
The second bounty is to make it reach all parts of the earth
by means of the clouds. The third gratuity is to make it
palatable. To provide man with the opportunity to drink it is
the fourth favour. The fifth benignancy is to provide a
complete and perfect system of storing this water (by means of
rivers, springs, wells, etc.). Then to afford man the
opportunity of satisfying himself with this water is the sixth
act of divine benevolence because the water can be present but
there can be some impediment or obstacle which prevents him
from drinking it. The verse, "Then we grant it to you for
drinking and you do not have control of its treasures,"
is an indication to this divine benefaction. Glory be to
Allah, the best of Creators. (Ma'ariful
Quran Vol 5 Page 281)
"Do
you see the water which you drink. Do you make it descend from
the clouds or are We the Descenders? If We so desire, We can
make it bitter. Then why are you not thankful?"
(56:69,70)
Nabi,'(Sallallaahu
Álayhi Wasallam), after drinking water used to say:
"All
praise be to Allah who provided us with sweet palatable water
to drink and He did not make it bitter and salty due to our
sins." (Ibn Katheer)
If
we are grateful for these favours of Allah, He will grant us
more. We as Muslims should be setting an example to other
communities on how to conserve water and not to be wasteful.
"Indeed those who squander are the brothers of Shaytaan."
Buraydah
Radiallahu anhu narrates that Nabi Saliallahu alaihi wasallam
said: "Whenever a nation refrained from paying their
zakaat, Allah inflicted them with drought and poverty." (Tabrani)
Hadhrat
Muaaz Radiallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah said:
"Guard
yourselves against sin because the wrath of Allah descends in
the wake of sin." (sunan Ahmad)
Rasulullah
Saliallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Verily, man is deprived
of sustenance because of the sins which he perpetrates."
(Sunan Ahmad)
Hadhrat
Abdullah Ibn Umar Radiallahu Anhuma narrates that once ten of
them were in the company of Rasuluilah Saliallahu alaihi
wasallam when he said: "I seek the protection of Allah
from five things which may overtake you. When immorality
becomes rampant in a people, they will be overtaken by
epidemics and such diseases which never existed before. When a
nation is involved in giving less weight and measure, it will
be overtaken by famine, hardship and oppression of the
authorities. When a community stops paying Zakaat, rain is
withheld from them. If it were not for the animals in their
midst, never would rain have fallen for them. When people
violate pledges and promises, Allah will overwhelm them with
their enemies from other nations. Thus the enemy will take
their
wealth
by force. (ibn majah).
"Whatever
calamity afflicts you is due to your actions and Allah
overlooks many sins." When a catastrophe afflicts a
nation, it does not only affect the individual sinners, but it
engulfs the entire community, the pious as well as the
impious. It is therefore imperative to reform ourselves,
refrain from sins and execute the orders of Allah Ta'ala.
In
this regard, hereunder follow some guidelines for the
preservation of water.
*
A Muslim should be thrifty and cautious in the usage of
water at all time; not only during a drought. Even if one's at
the bank of a river, it is not permissible to squander the
water and use it as one likes. Only that amount must be used
which suffices for one's needs.
*
Whilst making wudu, one should not let the tap run
continuously. The tap should not be opened full. Whilst making
masah etc. one should close the tap.
*
Do not engage in conversation in'the ablution block
whilst making wudu. Besides wasting water, talking of worldly
things during wudu is incorrect and abominable.
*
When taking a ghusl, less water is used by utilising a
bucket. If one has to use a shower, one should do so with
moderation and not let excessive amounts of water be wasted.
*
Avoid extravagant use of water when washing the car or
watering the garden. Sprinklers should not be left open for
such a long period that the water begins to flow off the lawn
or the flower patch.
*
Mend all leaking taps and pipes as this can lead to a
substantial saving in water.
In
short, conserve this precious bounty in whatever way you can.
May
Allah Ta'ala forgive our shortcomings and shower us with
abundant beneficial rain.
Madrasah
Arabia lslamia - Azaadville - South Africa
Last modified:
July 19, 2007
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