Water has significance in Islam, practically and spiritually, and is viewed by Muslims as a blessing. Water is a representation of cleanliness, nutrition, and purity. Given its great significance, water conservation aligns with Islamic teachings, particularly during Ramadan, a holy month marked by fasting, introspection, and spiritual renewal. This conservation is especially crucial when performing ablution, or wudu, a critical part of the daily routine for every Muslim.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to dusk. This fasting from water offers believers a special chance to reflect on the worth of this valuable resource. It promotes moderation and conservation techniques by fostering consciousness toward water consumption.
“And Allah sends down rain from the sky, giving life to the earth after its death. Surely in this is a sign for those who listen”
(Al-Quran, Surah Nahl 16:65)
Muslim communities around the world are struggling with the severe effects of water scarcity in their daily lives, made worse by rising temperatures due to climate change. This crucial means of survival is frequently at the core of many issues throughout the global south. Muslim-majority populations are particularly impacted by this environmental issue, as many areas experience diminishing water supplies, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and poor infrastructure.
Access to clean water for agriculture, sanitation, and drinking is a recurring challenge in both rural and urban areas, aggravating socioeconomic inequality and threatening public health. Floods, droughts, and irregular rainfall patterns are just a few examples of extreme weather occurrences that are a result of climate change and a deranged water cycle. Increased hydrological phenomena result from the disruption of the water cycle brought on by rising global temperatures.
The Hadith and the Holy Quran instill in those who follow the values of social justice and equity. This extends to the preservation of the planet’s natural resources, especially water conservation. Water is a communal resource and a human right, according to Islam. This is highlighted in the following Quranic Verse:
“It is He who sends down rain from the sky; from it is drink and from it is foliage in which you pasture [animals].”
(Al-Quran, Surah Nahl, 16:10)
Furthermore, the following verse gives humanity instructions not to waste:
“O Children of Adam, eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.”
(Al-Quran, Surah al Araaf, 7:31)
In addition to being appreciated for its ability to support life, water is also necessary for a Muslim’s everyday existence. Believers must complete washing before every prayer five times a day. The completion of this religious washing before prayer represents the accomplishment of physical and spiritual purity. A Hadith recounted by Abu Huraira states that ablution is a prerequisite for the acceptance of any prayer.
The way that Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) carried out the customary ablution serves as an example of the logical approach to sustainable water use. The guidelines show us that even if we have access to a river, we should use as little water as possible when performing ablutions (wudu). This is a magnificent example of the concept of water conservation:
“Do not waste even if performing ablution on the bank of a fast-flowing large river.”
(Al Thirmidhi)
The Prophet (pbuh) himself would perform ablution with just one mudd of water (equivalent to ⅔ kilograms= ⅔ litres ) (Sahīh al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 4, Hadith 200).
Steps for Making Sustainable Wudu (Ablution)
Using a cup for wudu can be a simple yet effective way to conserve water while fulfilling religious obligations. Here are some practical tips for using a cup for wudu:
- Pick the Correct Size Cup: Choose a cup that can accommodate enough water to perform ablution efficiently and with minimal waste. A cup that holds 500–600 ml is adequate.
- Pre-fill the Cup: Fill the cup halfway full of water before beginning wudu. This lessens the chance of over-pouring and makes estimating how much water you’ll need for each stage easier.
- Use Water Wisely: Consider how much water you use for each wudu step, measuring it out carefully from the cup. To meet the criteria, use just enough water, being careful not to splash or spill too much.
- Carry Out Actions Sequentially: Adhere to the Islamic teachings’ specified order for doing the ablution ritual. This includes washing one’s hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet. With each stage, carefully pour water from the cup to ensure complete covering while using as little water as possible.
- Reuse Water Whenever Possible: Utilize any water left in the cup after making wudu by using it for cleaning or watering plants. This method reduces waste and optimizes the use of water.
- Work on Your Precision: To avoid an excessive water flow, practise pouring with a steady hand and a regulated method. To minimize needless spills, try to apply water directly onto the surfaces that need to be cleaned.
- Regular Maintenance: To guarantee hygienic use, keep the cup spotless and clear of debris. After every use, give the cup a thorough rinse and put it somewhere dry and clean.
- Educate Others: Bring attention to the significance of water conservation in your community. Urge fellow worshippers to embrace the use of cups for wudu.
You can satisfy religious duties and express concern for the environment by implementing these suggestions into your daily wudu regimen.
