Water in the Holy Quran
Water is
mentioned numerous times in the Quran.[1]
Allah SWT categorizes water into its different properties. He differentiates
the rain that falls from the sky as purified water, water from the spring as
sweet, seawater as salty and bitter [2]and
mentions of water that flows from rocks[3].
He speaks of the barrier between freshwater and salt water[4].
In other verses there is recurrent theme in the verses. The different themes
are illustrated for a better understanding of the verses and to portray the
importance the Creator gave towards water. The attributes of Allah SWT are also
portrayed in these themes as well.
1.
Water as a Building Block of Living
Things: Al-Khaliq (الخالق): The Creator
Allah SWT
describes how water( ماء mā' )is the
building block of all living things[5].
It is not surprising that the adult man is made up 60 percent of water and man
can survive without water for only three to four days. It is an essential
liquid for our very existence. Further describing about creation, He implores
man to remember his humble beginning from a liquid disdained (semen)[6].
A reminder for mankind who tends to forget and they become conceited.
2.
Rain as a Provision: Ar-Razzaq (الرزاق): The
Sustainer
This is the main
theme that Allah SWT often repeats, that rain is a mercy and a provision to
mankind. Allah SWT emphasizes that it is He who makes the rainfall and makes
the barren land fertile that brings forth food.[7]
It is His mercy that the rain falls to provide water to drink and beautiful
green pastures for the cattle.[8]
He further describes rain as purified water and the winds that bring the
rain-filled clouds as bearing good tidings.[9]
He sent sweet water from the mountains for man to enjoy.[10]
He made it clear that man has no control over rain and warns that He is able
remove it.[11]
He challenges if anyone besides Him can deliver water and chastises man for his
ungratefulness, for He could have made the rain bitter.
Reading these
verses on the mercy Allah SWT has for mankind, makes one wonder how many of the
His blessings that we take for granted. The detailed descriptions of the winds,
rain, mountain springs, gardens, green pastures, the fruits and grains for food
are to help us understand that He has provided them for us to celebrate and
enjoy in life and to thank Him for them.
3.
Water as a Sign: Al-Muhyi (المحيى):
The Giver of Life
Allah SWT always
implores man to reflect and to see in the creation, the Majesty of the Creator.
He describes how the rain from the sky, gives life to a dead earth and that is
a sign for man to contemplate[12].
The parched earth in the African Savannah during the dry spell smells of death
but brims of life when the rain falls, vegetation appears and the wild animals
gather around the watering hole to quench their thirst. Do we think about the
Creator when we witness this phenomenon? He further questions if man does not
wonder why crops, grapevines, palm trees watered by the same rain in the same
vicinity produces fruits of different quality.[13]
He asks us to ponder, if all the water seeps into the earth, who would provide
us with flowing water.[14]
If we reflect over these questions, we would realize the utter helplessness of
man, and the mercy that the Creator has always shown us despite the
ungratefulness of man.
4.
Water as an Analogy: Ar-Rashid
(الرشيد) The Righteous Teacher
Allah SWT makes analogies
using water. He likens the life on this world to a life cycle of a plant. Rain
falls on a dead barren earth, bringing to life vegetation, which later dries,
and there is no trace of its existence[15].
Likewise, we were created from dust and we would return to dust. All the
splendors and wealth of this world is of a fleeting existence that would
disappear without a trace. He likens those who worship others besides Him to a
man to stretches his hand towards water, calling it to fall into his mouth, an
act in vain[16].
He describes the deeds of the disbelievers are like a mirage, one who is
thirsty would run to it only to be disappointed of the falsehood and now has to
face His wrath [17].
He compares the truth from falsehood with the analogy of foam on water, the
foam vanishes like falsehood, only water, which benefits man, remains, as the
truth would stand the test of time.[18]
5. Water as a Punishment:
Al-Hasib (الحسيب):The Accounter
Just as water as
a provision is a blessing and mercy, it also has a destructive side. Allah SWT
uses water as a form of punishment in Hell. The harrowing scenes of Hell are
described in great detail, to make man fear the end that awaits him for his
disbelieve. Scalding water poured over the heads, boiling purulent water like
murky oil is given as a drink, both flames and boiling water consumes the
inhabitants of hell.[19]
Those in hell whom He calls the companions of fire would call upon the
companions of paradise for water for they would be deprived of it. If on earth,
water is not given a second glance, but when in hell, it becomes the most
prized item.
In the story of the
Prophet Noah (AS), the great flood was the calamity that was sent to his tribe.
No one is able to escape the except those whom He wills. [20]
In the story of the owners of the two gardens, the conceited owner loses
everything.[21]
These stories illustrate the utter helplessness of man but despite that he
remains arrogant.
6.
Water as a Reward: Ash-Shakur (الشكور): The
Rewarder of Thankfulness
Water is also
given as a reward, as Allah SWT promises heaven filled with gardens and
springs.[22]
Just as Hell was described in detail, likewise Allah SWT gives an illustration
of the beauty of Paradise and the rivers of water, milk, wine and honey that
flows within. Water is an important feature in Heaven just as in Hell. The
grand Roman villas, the Versailles and other palaces have vast beautiful manicured
gardens with exquisite water features like fountains, pools and water cascades.
Man has been trying to create Heaven on earth for centuries.
7.
Water for Purification: Al-Quddus (القدوس):
The Pure One
Purification is
an important aspect of Islam, and Allah SWT talks about external as well as
internal purification. He instructed man to purify himself before prayers through
ablution. The emphasis on purification is deeply embedded in Islam as we are
thought to cleanse after easing ourselves and after sexual intimacy. Even if
there is lack of water, purification still has to be performed using pure sand
(tayammum)[23].
The Prophet SAW taught by example on how to perform these cleansing rituals.
The act of prayer is when the servant comes forward to meet the Creator, and
Creator would like to see His servant in a purified state. In the verse 8:11:10,
Allah sends down rain as calmness, as an internal purification to remove the
negative effect of Shaitan on their hearts.
[2] (35:12:2)
[3] (2:74:25)
[4] (55:19), (27:61), (25:53)
[5] 21:30:13, 24:45: 6, 21:30:13, 22:5:62
[6] 32:8:7, (77:20:4), (86:6:3)
[7] 2:22:11(6:99:6)(20:53:13). (22:63:8),(27:60:9), (28:23:3).
[8] (16:10:6).
[10] 77:27:6
[13] ”(13:4:14), (2:164), (24:43)
[19] (6:70:40), (18:29:21), (22:19:17), (37:67:7),
(40:72:2), (44:46:2), (44:48:7), (55:44:4), (56:42:3), (56:93:3), (78:25:2).
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