Water: More Than a Blessing, A Divine Necessity

“Say, ‘Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?’ (Surah Al-Mulk, Verse 30)”

Have you ever bitten into a juicy fruit and pondered the essential element that transformed its seed into that delightful morsel? Or returned home exhausted from a sweltering day, only to sip fresh lemonade that refreshes your parched throat?

Water.

Can one even envision life without it?

Indeed, countless studies indicate that a person can only survive without water for roughly three days before serious dehydration sets in, leading to organ failure and ultimately death.

The Quran speaks of water as a creation of Allah in various contexts, portraying it as both a reward and a means of punishment, as well as the foundation of all living entities.

1. Water: The Essence of Our Existence

The Quran states, ‘And Allah has created from water every living creature. Some of them crawl on their bellies, some walk on two legs, and some walk on four. Allah creates whatever He wills. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything.’ (Surah An-Nur, Verse 45)

Reflect on how we originated from a mere fluid, laying the groundwork for the complex processes of life. The embryo, nestled within an amniotic sac filled with liquid, grows and develops, safeguarded by this life-giving water that also supplies essential nutrients.

> Did We not create you out of a humble fluid which We then let remain in [the womb’s] firm keeping for a term pre-ordained? Thus, have We determined [the nature of man’s creation]: and excellent indeed is Our power to determine [what is to be]! (Surah Al-Mursalat, Verses 20–23)

Every cell in your body, every function relies on water. Blood, which transports oxygen and nutrients, is primarily composed of water. Remarkably, our brain consists of 75% water. How could you ever consider depriving yourself of this vital liquid?

2. Water: A Manifestation of Allah’s Mercy

The Quran mentions, “And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy, and We send down from the sky pure water, that We may bring to life thereby a dead land and give it as drink to those We created of numerous livestock and men.” (Surah Al-Furqan, Verses 48-49)

Rain serves as a profound symbol of Allah's boundless mercy and compassion. The downpour rejuvenates barren lands into lush fields teeming with life.

Next time you consume fruit, vegetables, or grains, remember the farmer who prayed for rain to nourish his crops for his family and community. This same water is vital for countless living beings!

Fresh spring water cascades from mountains and cliffs, providing us with hydration and the means to cleanse ourselves.

Every waterfall flowing is a reminder of Allah’s unwavering mercy, showering upon us day and night, despite our countless transgressions.

Allah (SWT) questions us in the Quran:

Have you considered the water you drink? Is it you who bring it down from the clouds, or is it We Who do so? If We willed, We could make it salty. Will you not then give thanks? (Surah Al-Waqi’ah, Verses 68–70)

3. Water: A Sign of Allah’s Great Power and Wisdom

Water is not only a source of life but also a testament to Allah’s infinite wisdom. It symbolizes His ability to revive the lifeless, whether transforming barren land into fertile ground or resurrecting humans on the Day of Judgment.

As Allah invites us to contemplate:

> He is the One Who sends the winds ushering in His mercy. When they bear heavy clouds, We drive them to a lifeless land and then cause rain to fall, producing every type of fruit. Similarly, We will bring the dead to life, so perhaps you will be mindful. (Surah Al-A’raf, Verse 57)

The vast water bodies—from deep oceans to tranquil lakes, mighty rivers to gentle springs—showcase Allah’s creativity. Each body of water has its unique ecosystem, supporting countless forms of life.

Allah further prompts us to reflect on how crops, grapevines, and palm trees nourished by the same rain in the same vicinity yield fruits of different qualities:

> And on the earth, there are different neighboring tracts, gardens of grapevines, various crops, palm trees — some stemming from the same root, others standing alone. They are all irrigated with the same water, yet We make some taste better than others. Surely in this are signs for those who understand. (Surah Ar-Ra’d, Verse 4)

4. Water: An Analogy for Faith and Life

Just as pure water is essential for our well-being, our souls and hearts require similar purity. The Quran states:

> And He sent down upon you from the sky, rain by which to purify you and remove from you the evil of Satan and to make steadfast your hearts and plant firmly thereby your feet. (Surah Al-Anfal, Verse 11)

Allah illustrates how the deeds of a non-believer are akin to a mirage, misleading them with false hope. On the Day of Judgment, they will face the harsh consequences of their actions.

> As for the disbelievers, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert, which the thirsty perceive as water, but when they approach it, they find it to be nothing. Instead, they find Allah there in the Hereafter, ready to settle their account. And Allah is swift in reckoning. (Surah An-Nur, Verse 39)

Allah compares His Book, the Qur’an to the ocean. When one dives into the ocean, they emerge drenched yet have only experienced a fraction of its depths. To claim complete knowledge of the ocean is folly. Likewise, I will dive into the Qur’an my entire life and will only ever grasp a few drops of its profound wisdom. -Nouman Ali Khan

5. Water: A Heavenly Blessing

In the Quran, water is presented as a special gift for the righteous, manifested as flowing streams and rivers of milk, honey, and pure wine.

> The description of Paradise which the righteous are promised is that beneath it rivers flow; its provision is eternal and so is its shade. That is the consequence for the righteous… (Surah Ar-Ra’d, Verse 35)

These rivers symbolize the rewards for those who remained steadfast during hardships in this temporary world, offering spiritual fulfillment and eternal joy.

6. Water: A Destructive Force

While water often symbolizes life and divine mercy, it can also serve as a powerful instrument of justice. A poignant example of this is the story of Prophet Nuh (AS), whose people ignored his warnings and persisted in their sinful ways. As a consequence, Allah unleashed a catastrophic flood:

> And when Our command came and the oven burst with water, We said to Noah, “Take into the Ark a pair from every species along with your family — except those against whom the decree to drown has already been passed — and those who believe.” But none believed with him except for a few. (Surah Hud, Verse 40)

The thought of boiling water as a divine punishment for the wrongdoers in Hellfire is chilling, as Allah describes the terrifying scenes in the Qur’an:

> And say, O Prophet, “This is the truth from your Lord. Whoever wills let them believe, and whoever wills let them disbelieve.” Surely We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire whose walls will completely surround them. When they cry for aid, they will be aided with water like molten metal, which will burn their faces. What a horrible drink! And what a terrible place to rest! (Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 29)

7. Water: Cleansing the Body and Soul

Emphasizing cleanliness is a crucial aspect of faith. Water plays a significant role in ensuring both physical cleanliness and spiritual purity through Wudu. Each act of ablution offers a chance to renew our intentions and shed the weight of sins like leaves falling in autumn.

> O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. (Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 6)

In addition to this essential act of Wudu, there is also ghusl, a comprehensive purification method after certain circumstances that render a person impure.

Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) compared seeking forgiveness to the cleansing power of water:

“Have you seen if there was a river by the door of one of you and he bathed in it five times a day, would there be any filth left on him?” They said, “No filth would be left.” The Prophet said, “That is the example of the five prayers with which Allah blots out (annuls) evil deeds.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

As you navigate through your day, let the presence of water be a gentle reminder of Allah’s infinite mercy and the interconnectedness of all creation. Allow its significance to inspire gratitude as you feel the gentle touch of raindrops, listen to the soothing sound of rain nourishing the earth, and savor a refreshing drink on a hot day. Each moment highlights how immensely Allah has blessed us with His boundless gifts.

> As we turn on our taps filled with running water, let us be mindful of those who are not so fortunate and strive to be a source of relief for them.