By Aqasya Kautsar Bin Kamarullaffie
Water is a precious gift from Allah, entrusted to humanity for sustenance and life on Earth. The intersection of Islamic teachings and sustainable development emphasizes the responsibility to protect water sources. This article explores the relevance of Islamic teachings to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 and 14, emphasizing the importance of clean water and life below water. It delves into Quranic verses and Hadiths that promote responsible water usage and conservation. Furthermore, real-life cases, such as river pollution in Dhaka and the Sungai Kim Kim incident in Malaysia, demonstrate the urgent need for action in line with Islamic principles.
A 2016 conference paper entitled, “Sustainable Development – Islamic Perspectives” by Ahmadi mentions the importance of man’s role in protecting Allah’s creatures and blessings in the universe that includes water. The Quran recognizes water as a divine blessing, essential for sustaining life. In Surah Qaf (50:9-10), Allah describes the significance of rainwater in nourishing gardens and crops, reminding us of our duty to protect this precious resource. This verse underscores the Islamic perspective on water’s importance and the need to safeguard it for the benefit of all creation.
The Hadith narrated by Ibn Majah advises against wasting water, even when abundant, during ablution (wudu). This teaching highlights the importance of using water responsibly and avoiding wastage. By practicing moderation and conserving water, Muslims can contribute to conservation efforts and address the issue of water scarcity.
Halder and Islam in their 2015 article entitled “Water Pollution and its Impact on the Human Health” mention on the Turag River in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The pollution of Turag River serves as a stark reminder of the severe effects on water quality, endangering aquatic life and the well-being of communities.
The contamination of this important water source illustrates the urgency of action in line with Islamic teachings of safeguarding water sources and preserving nature’s blessings. It is the duty of Muslims to actively work towards restoring the health of such polluted water bodies.
Similarly, the Sungai Kim Kim incident in Malaysia highlights the detrimental consequences of illegal dumping, leading to severe water pollution and health issues for nearby residents mentions Chung in his Free Malaysia Today 2022 entitled “3 years on, residents still fear pollution at Sungai Kim Kim”. This incident serves as a reminder that responsible waste management is imperative to prevent such occurrences. Implementing strict measures and enforcing regulations can help safeguard water resources, protecting both the environment and the well-being of communities.
In light of Islamic teachings, it is crucial to enforce existing environmental laws and impose stronger penalties for water pollution offenses. By ensuring that legal frameworks align with Islamic principles of protecting water sources, we can deter and punish those who disregard the sanctity of water. This step emphasizes the significance of preserving water for the benefit of present and future generations.
Raising awareness about the importance of protecting water sources based on Islamic principles is essential. By educating individuals, communities, and religious leaders about the religious duty of water conservation, we can foster a sense of responsibility and active participation in preserving this invaluable resource. Awareness campaigns, religious sermons, and educational programs can be instrumental in spreading the message.
Integrating Islamic teachings into our daily lives is key to practicing responsible waste disposal and promoting cleanliness. Islam emphasizes cleanliness and hygiene, and by incorporating these principles into our routines, we can minimize water pollution and contribute to the overall well-being of society. By adopting sustainable habits, such as reducing plastic waste and recycling, we can actively protect water quality.
Collaboration between Islamic organizations, governments, and environmental agencies is crucial for effective water resource management. By working together, these entities can develop comprehensive strategies, policies, and initiatives that align with Islamic teachings and address the challenges facing water sustainability. Cooperation can also facilitate the sharing of best practices and technological advancements in water conservation.
Investing in research and innovation is essential for finding sustainable solutions to water-related challenges. By supporting scientific studies and technological advancements, we can develop efficient water treatment methods, promote water conservation technologies, and improve water quality monitoring. ***
(This article is written as part of an individual assignment for Sustainable Development : Issues, Principles and Practices, SCSH 1201class)