What is it about?
Water is an important element of Islamic ritual (ablutions, the well of Zamzam) and a sign (ayah) of God as Creator of the universe. Waterappears in the Qur’an as an expression of punishment and reward, blessing and curse, salvation and destruction. Muslim populations are impacted in different parts of the world by water shortages, lack of regular access to safe and clean water supplies, damage to water systems from inadequate or nonexistent storm water drainage and runoff filled with silt, fertilizers, and other chemicals, and the anticipated climate refugee crisis that is expected to expand in years to come as larger portions of the planet become uninhabitable due to expanding desertification and diminishing availability of water.
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Why is it important?
As 23% of the global population, Muslims could have a powerful voice in addressing the challenges and opportunities of clean water management, rooted in faith and scripture. This paper approaches water theologically, establishing water as God’s gift and a means through which God interacts with all life in ongoing ways to inspire greater attention to care for and conservation of water as expressions of worship, care for each other, and the common good rather than conflict and division.
Perspectives
This chapter is part of a broad research project that seeks to recover and reclaim Islamic and Christian resources to address contemporary environmental concerns, including attention to water, birds, animals, trees, mountains and rocks.
Natana DeLong-Bas
Boston College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Islamic Resources for Water Conservation and Management, October 2024, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004681033_006.
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