Allah Nawaz Khan
Water is one of the greatest blessings of Allah Almighty, and life without it is unimaginable. At the global level, water scarcity is increasing rapidly, which is extremely alarming. Among the major crises the world is facing, the water crisis is one of the most serious. Experts are predicting that if the water crisis is not controlled, it will lead to extremely catastrophic consequences in the future.
Water is not the problem of any single country; it is an international issue. Immediate action is needed to solve this problem. Water is not used only for drinking but is also essential for other necessities. Water scarcity around the world is becoming a grave global issue. Currently, nearly half of the world’s population is facing severe water shortage.
Water is essential for agriculture. If this scarcity is not controlled, there is a fear that 50% of global agricultural production could be affected in the next 25 years. Many regions are already experiencing food shortages. If the agriculture sector is impacted, a very large portion of the world’s population will face food scarcity. Water and food shortages can trigger global conflicts. Once water wars begin, it will be extremely difficult to stop them. It is possible that the third world war may start because of water.
Apart from human life and agriculture, economies and industries also depend on water. In many countries of the world, underground water reserves are depleting rapidly. Some countries are already facing severe droughts. Developed countries are spending heavily to overcome water shortages, while developing countries suffer from acute water scarcity due to lack of capital.
The regions facing the most severe water scarcity are the Middle East and North Africa. Countries like Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen are also suffering from water shortages. Europe has also come under the threat of this scarcity. In Kuwait, seawater is being desalinated to make it usable.
In many parts of the world, water scarcity has created numerous problems. In several areas, extremely polluted water is being consumed, which has serious effects on health.
The United Nations has already warned some time ago that the global water crisis has reached the stage of economic bankruptcy. Climate change is also contributing to water scarcity. The rapid growth of population is another major cause. As the population increases, the demand for water also rises, which in turn causes greater scarcity.
A large amount of water is used in agriculture, even when it is not entirely necessary. Wasting water on agriculture unnecessarily is extremely harmful. Water scarcity is not only affecting human life but also the lives of other living beings. In addition, food supply, economic activities, and employment are also being severely impacted.
Rivers are an excellent source of water, but now even rivers are at risk of drying up. Water disputes can also arise because of rivers. These water conflicts can destroy world peace. At this time, saving water is extremely important. It can be saved through global cooperation. If global efforts are not made, the world should prepare for a major crisis.
Work is being done for water conservation, but it needs to be started on an emergency basis. Efforts are required at both individual and collective levels. Individually, it is essential to reduce water usage. Use as little water as possible while washing clothes or bathing. Minimize water use for brushing teeth and performing ablution (wudu). Do not leave taps running. Use a bucket instead of a shower to save maximum water. Use less water for washing vehicles and other needs.
Rainwater should be harvested and stored in homes. In villages, ponds or tanks can be built to store water, as villages have more available space compared to cities.
Islam also prohibits the wastage of water. According to a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed by Hazrat Sa’d (RA) while he was performing ablution and said, “What is this extravagance?” Sa’d asked, “Is there extravagance even in ablution?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Yes, even if you are sitting beside a flowing river.” (Ibn Majah)
This Hadith teaches us that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) strictly forbade wasting water. These words of the Prophet (PBUH) hold special importance: even if you are sitting on the bank of a flowing river, do not waste water. We should reflect on how carelessly we waste water today, despite Islam’s clear prohibition against extravagance.
At the collective level, steps must be taken to save water. Dams should be constructed to store water. Misuse of water in agriculture should be legally banned. Modern irrigation methods should be adopted in farming. Water should be supplied to areas facing scarcity so that people there can meet their needs.
Without international cooperation, this crisis cannot be controlled. Governments should formulate effective policies to prevent water wastage. Wastewater recycling should be implemented, especially in industries, to minimize fresh water consumption.
Tree plantation campaigns should be launched because trees support the natural system of rainfall. Awareness campaigns should be run to encourage water conservation. Lectures should be delivered in educational institutions, and seminars should be organized at the community level to highlight the importance of water.
It is clear that if concrete steps are not taken to save water, the world will have to pay a heavy price in the future.
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