Tohir Solomons

Classical Islam and Water Management

Posted on the April 30th, 2005 under Uncategorized by Tohir

Here in Cape Town and the Western Cape (South Africa), we are experiencing water shortages, and proudly, Muslims are playing a leading role in spreading the message. In fact, the councillor in charge ofwater management is a Muslim, viz. Councillor Saleem Mowser.

Nonetheless, I was amazed when an Imam recently used Classical Fiqh to offer ways & means to play a part in water conservation.

In Islam, there are various categories of water, to attempt a transliteration:

• Maa Tahir Mutahhir – Clean water that can be used to purify other things
• Maa Tahir – clean water, but does not have the purifying capacity
• Maa Najis – unclean, filthy water

In this perspective, water that is saved from showering (as an example) changes from Maa Tahir Mutahhir to Maa Tahir and could then be used for the garden or the car.

It was this analysis and statement from the Imam that amazed me. How often is it that when we are faced with a ‘modern’ day problem, we tendto run away from the ‘classical’ teachings.

There are many examples of water conservation practices in the time of the Holy Prophet. To quote one:

Ibn Majah reports that a person was making Wudu and he was using too much water. The Prophet -peace be upon him- said, “What is this waste?” The man said, “Is there a waste in Wudu also, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet -peace be upon him- said, “Yes, even if you were near a flowing river.” (Ibn Majah, Hadith no. 419)

http://www.pakistanlink.com/religion/99/06-04.html

Add to this the practice of Tayammum, perhaps there is still alot to be explored in this field, and highlights the urgent need for knowledge management as a reminder. A great shukran to the Imam for doing exactly this.