Water in Islam
Definition and Etymology
Water in Arabic is māʾ (ماء), with its plural forms being miyāh and amwāh. The Hebrew term for water is מַיִם (mayim). In Islamic texts, water is referenced not only as a physical necessity but also as a symbol of life and purification.
Qur’anic References
In the Qur’an, water is highlighted as a foundational element of creation and life. For instance, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:31), it is stated:
<p>“We clave them (the heavens and the earth) asunder, and by means of water, We gave life to everything.”</p>
This verse illustrates the vital and life-giving properties of water, aligning it closely with divine creation.
Exegetical Interpretations
Islamic scholars, such as Al-Baydawi, interpret this verse to mean one of the following:
- God created all living beings from water.
- The primary component of life is water.
- Life is sustained primarily by water.
Varieties of Water in Islamic Law
Islamic jurists recognize seven types of water that are lawful for purification (ṭahāra) and drinking:
- Māʾu al-Maṭar (Rain-water)
- Māʾu al-ʿAin (Spring-water)
- Māʾu al-Bīʾr (Well-water)
- Māʾu al-Barad (Hail-water)
- Māʾu al-Salj (Snow-water)
- Māʾu al-Baḥr (Sea-water)
- Māʾu al-Nahr (River-water)
Legal and Ritual Purity
Water fit for ablution (wudu) must meet certain criteria. According to a narration by Ibn ʿUmar, the Prophet Muhammad specified that water equal to two qullahs is not impure, interpreting two qullahs as approximately 250 mans. Acceptable sources of water for ablution include the following:
- Rain
- Sea
- River
- Fountain
- Well
- Snow
- Ice
However, there are detailed discussions among jurists regarding the conditions under which a water source becomes impure, typically related to the presence and nature of contaminating substances.
Rights and Usage of Water
Islamic law classifies water into four categories based on ownership and rights of usage:
- Ocean water: Free for all, akin to sunlight and air.
- Large rivers (e.g., Euphrates, Tigris): People have a right to drink and conditional irrigation rights.
- Shared water sources: Common drinking rights with regulated irrigation use.
- Stored water in vessels: Considered personal property but may be expropriated in times of extreme scarcity.
Irrigation Rights (Shirb)
In predominantly agrarian societies, particularly in the Middle East, irrigation rights are highly significant. Water disputes can be severe, sometimes leading to legal and social conflicts. Irrigation rights can be inherited or even reserved separately from land ownership.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Faith of Islam” by E. Denton Ross
- “The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an” by Abdullah Yusuf Ali
- “Fiqh-us-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq
Key Takeaways
- Water in Islam is both a physical and a spiritual necessity.
- Qur’anic and Hadith texts place substantial emphasis on the state and usage of water.
- Jurisprudence defines clear guidelines about water purity and rights of access and usage.
- Water rights (shirb) and irrigation regulations are critical in Islamic law, especially in agricultural societies.
Conclusion
Water in Islamic theology and jurisprudence represents a cornerstone element of both ritual purity and daily life sustainability. Understanding the classifications, rights, and legal implications surrounding water provides insight into its sacred significance and practical applications in the Muslim world.
