Amid water crisis in several Indian parts, Kerala mosques emphasise water conservation

Srinagar, March 24: On Friday, March 22, which was observed as World Water Day globally, religious sermons in mosques across the southern Indian state of Kerala emphasised the conservation and judicious use of water.

This comes in the backdrop of major water crisis presently affecting several parts of India including Karnataka and the sweltering summer heat in Kerala itself.

The Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Qutbah (SKJQ), a feeder organisation of Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama asked all khatibs (Religious speakers) to spread awareness on water conservation during Friday prayers, The New Indian Express reported.

Quoting the last prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), the SKJQ general secretary Nazar Faizi Koodathayi said, even if one is performing wuzu (ablution for prayers) from the water of flowing river, he shouldn’t waste it.

The top religious organization in the state has urged believers to exercise care while performing ablution under a running tap, especially while moving from washing one organ to the other.

“It is advisable to depend on ablution tanks for wuzu when there is water shortage. After ablution, the water should be used for agriculture or other purposes,” Faizi said.

He said supplying drinking water is a pious deed that will be rewarded in the hereafter.

“A person had asked the Prophet (PBUH) about how he could ensure heaven for his deceased mother. To which the holy Prophet replied that he should distribute drinking water among people,” Faizi said.

Although plenty water is available in Kerala, he said creating awareness on saving water is imperative as climate changes are posing a threat to the water bodies.

“Decline in rainfall and depletion of groundwater are signs of an impending catastrophe,” Faizi said.
‘40% of sources polluted’

“Around 40% of our water sources are polluted. People should be made aware of such things and should be exhorted to prevent a disaster,” Faizi said.

Faizi said the Quran had several verses that underlined the importance of water.
“Surah 23, verse 18 says, ‘We send down rain from the sky in perfect measure, causing it to soak into the earth. And We are surely able to take it away.’

Similarly, Surah 67, verse 29 says, ‘Did you even consider: if all the water that you have (in the wells) were to sink down into the depths of the earth, who will produce for you clear, flowing water?”