How can we use Islamic tradition to address the water crisis?

7 min readJan 21, 2025

By Annie Mirza

Water is the essence of life. We crave it on a hot summer’s day; find safety in its warmth on cooler nights. It’s the very essence of us. But our access to safe, clean water is dwindling.

Water is one of the most precious resources we have; it sustains ecosystems, economies, and societies. But we’re grappling with an escalating water crises on a global scale. Millions of people face the reality of water scarcity and its far-reaching consequences. South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Sahel have become synonymous with water stress. Countries across the area, like Yemen, Iraq, and Jordan confront severe shortages that threaten their stability and development.

Advancing technology and international cooperation are essential in addressing this ongoing, historic issue, but, there’s a growing recognition of the role that cultural and religious perspectives can play in fostering sustainable water management practices. Islamic teachings offer a profound and historically rooted framework for environmental stewardship, especially concerning water. Here we’ll explore how some of these principles related to water can contribute to solving the global water crisis.

The Global Water Crisis

Water scarcity is a global issue that affects billions of people, in fact almost one in ten people don’t have clean water close to home (UNICEF/WHO, 2023). The situation is particularly dire where arid climates, population growth, and political conflicts exacerbate the scarcity of water resources.

Countries like Yemen are facing humanitarian crises as millions lack access to clean drinking water, while rivers and reservoirs across the globe are drying up, leading to agricultural decline and displacement. These challenges are compounded by climate change, which is intensifying droughts and reducing the availability of fresh water. Finding solutions to manage and conserve water is critical, not just for the affected regions, but for global stability.

While the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa are often the focal point of discussions on water scarcity, the implications of this crisis extend far beyond its borders. Water scarcity leads to conflicts over resources, exacerbating regional instability. And whilst we may ignore the devastation this causes people, wildlife, pets and nature in far away places, it affects global markets closer to home. So what can we do?

The Islamic Perspective on Water

Islam teaches us to hold water in high esteem, recognizing it as a divine gift and a fundamental element of creation. “And We made from water every living thing.” (Qur’an 21:30). This verse underlines the significance of water in creation and the necessity to safeguard it, as it sustains all life.

The Quran and various Hadiths emphasize the sacredness of water and the responsibility we have to use it wisely and justly. Key principles in water ethics include:

Stewardship:

As humans, we’re stewards (Khalifah) of the Earth, tasked with caring for and preserving the environment. This concept extends to water, which must be protected and used responsibly for the benefit of all living beings.

In the Hadith, our Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The Earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you as His stewards over it. He sees how you acquit yourselves.” (Sahih Muslim, 2742)

2. Resourcefulness:

Being wasteful is strongly discouraged. The Quran explicitly warns against extravagance, urging us to use resources, including water, in moderation and without excess (Israf). And we’re reminded to use water sparingly, even in the presence of abundant water:

The Messenger of Allah passed by Sa’d when he was performing ablution, and he said: ‘What is this extravagance?’ He said: ‘Can there be any extravagance in ablution?’ He said: ‘Yes, even if you are on the bank of a flowing river.’” (Ibn Majah, 425)

“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.” (Qur’an 17:27).

Although this isn’t exclusively about water, this verse discourages wastefulness; we must avoid squandering resources, including water.

3. Right to water:

Every individual has a right to access clean water, and we must avoid selfishness by making water available for others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that water, like pasture and fire, is a shared resource that shouldn’t be monopolized or exploited for profit at the expense of others:

“Muslims are to share in these three things: water, pasture, and fire.” (Ibn Majah, 2473)

Allah’s Messenger said, “There are three persons whom Allah will neither talk to nor look at, nor purify from (the sins), and they will have a painful punishment. (They are): (1) A man possessed superfluous water on a way and he withheld it from the travelers. (Sahih al-Bukhari 2672)

4. Consultation and collaboration:

Decision-making should involve consultation (Shura) with the community. This principle should be applied to water management, encouraging collective decision-making and cooperation in conserving water resources.

“Help one another in goodness and righteousness,” (Qur’an 5:2)

Surplus water should not be withheld, and neither should surplus water from a well. (Ibn Majah, 2479)

Water Management in Practice

Throughout history, Islamic civilizations have implemented these principles in their water management practices. From the sophisticated qanat irrigation systems of Persia to the communal wells of Andalusia, Muslims have long demonstrated innovative approaches to managing water sustainably.

Qanats: The qanat system, which dates back over 2,500 years, involves constructing underground channels that transport water from aquifers to the surface without significant evaporation. This method, rooted in the arid regions of Iran emphasizes efficient water use and has been adopted in various forms across the Middle East.

Waqf (Endowment): Another Islamic tradition that has contributed to water management is the establishment of waqf, or charitable endowments. Wealthy individuals would donate wells or funds to build water infrastructure, ensuring that communities had access to clean water.

Hima (Protected zones): Restoring degraded landscapes is both beneficial to communities and a form of worship. This includes protecting vital ecosystems, known as himā (protected zones), which preserve water sources and maintain the natural water cycle. By integrating these principles with modern restoration practices, like reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and urban green infrastructure, Islamic values continue to inspire a proactive approach to addressing water scarcity and building resilience against environmental challenges.

Today, some Muslim-majority countries are revisiting these traditional practices and integrating them with modern technology. In Saudi Arabia, for example, there is a growing interest in using ancient water-saving techniques alongside advanced desalination processes to meet the country’s water needs.

Islamic teachings and developed laws should be incorporated into public awareness campaigns to promote water conservation. But there are some challenges.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Islam provides a strong ethical framework for water management, there are challenges in translating these principles into practice, particularly in the face of modern political and economic pressures. Corruption, mismanagement, and the exploitation of resources for profit are significant obstacles that undermine the equitable distribution of water.

However, as we’ve seen, there are many opportunities to leverage Islamic teachings in addressing these challenges. As muslims, we play a crucial role in advocating for water justice, drawing on Islamic principles to mobilize communities and influence policy. Furthermore, international organizations and NGOs can partner with Islamic institutions to promote sustainable water practices and education.

Ways to Manage Water Better:

Implement stringent water-saving regulations. This includes mandating the use of water-efficient fixtures and appliances in both residential and commercial buildings, setting standards for industrial water use, and supporting sustainable water management practices through legislation. Additionally, investing in advanced infrastructure for water recycling and desalination can alleviate pressure on existing water sources.

Adopting water-efficient technologies and practices. Businesses could prioritize the installation of water-saving equipment, conduct regular audits to identify areas of excessive use, and implement comprehensive water management strategies that reduce consumption and minimize waste. Engaging in corporate social responsibility by supporting community water conservation projects and collaborating with NGOs can further amplify their impact.

Small everyday actions. Fixing leaks promptly and practicing mindful consumption can help conserve water. Collecting rainwater for gardening and being conscious of water usage in daily routines, like when you do wudhu, are practical steps you can take. Raising awareness about water conservation and sharing best practices can inspire broader societal changes.

Through a coordinated effort, we can develop effective solutions for managing and conserving our precious water resources.

As the global water crisis intensifies, holistic and culturally grounded solutions are increasingly urgent. By integrating Islamic values into water management strategies, we can not only mitigate the impacts of water scarcity but also promote a more just and sustainable future for all. We must protect our most comforting, precious resource, water, ensuring that it remains a source of life and blessing for generations to come.

Disclaimer:

Views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views, policy or position of the organization.