The Source of Water and Uses of Water
Where did Earth’s water come from? The Quran reveals the sources of Earth’s water. Allah sends water down to Earth through the rain from the sky (outer space/other parts of the solar system). “And it is He (Allah) who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy, and We (the assigned angels or beneficial microbes) send down from the sky pure water” [11:7]. “In the water which Allah sent down from the Heavens and brought with its life to Earth after being dead and gave life in it to every kind of land animal; And in directing the winds; And in the clouds that are enslaved between the Heavens and the Earth; [All these] are Signs for a people who comprehend” (Quran 2:164). Today, some scientists believe Earth’s water was supplied from comets, while others believe that water was likely delivered to Earth via meteorites.
Also, the Quran reveals that water came from the heavens in the form of ice. “Can’t you see that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a pile? Then you see the rain come out from within? And He sends down from heaven mountains with ice inside them; that strike whomever He wishes or misses whoever He wishes; Its flash almost blinds you” (24.43). This is an indication of comets and meteors when they hit our atmosphere. “Do the disbelievers not realize that the heavens and earth were once one mass then We split them apart? And We created from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?” (21:30).
The secondary sources of water can come in the form of groundwater, springs, lakes, etc. “And We have sent down rain from the sky in a measured amount and settled it in the earth. And indeed, We are able to take it away” [25:48]. “Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky and makes it flow as springs [and rivers] in the earth” [39:2].
Allah sends down water for purifying, drinking, and growing food. The Quran mentions: “And He caused (rain) to descend on you from heavens to cleanse you” [8:11]. “And We have sent the fertilizing winds and sent down water from the sky and given you drink from it. And you are not its retainers” [15:22]. “And We send down pure water from the sky, thereby to bring to life a dead land and slake the thirst of that which We have created-cattle and men in multitudes” (25:48–49).
Water pollution occurs when water comes into contact with organic matter, certain substances, or microorganisms. It was narrated that Abu Umamah Al-Bahili said: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Water is not made impure by anything except that which changes its smell, taste and color” [Sunan Ibn Majah]. In most cases, human activities that generate domestic sewage and waste cause water pollution. Water pollution has devastating impacts on ecosystems. The Quran warns of the careless action of mankind: “Is it you who cause it from the rainclouds to come down, or are We the Causer of it to come down? If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable), why then do you not give thanks (to Allah)?” [56:68–70].
As Allah’s chosen representative on earth, humans are responsible for the long-term sustainability of life on earth. Today, humans are impacting and harming the environment in many ways. Irresponsible activities of humans lead to an increased risk of the bone-dry barren plateau, and the earth will eventually run out of water. The Quran warns humankind: “We have fashioned everything in this world as mere adornments to test them! To see who amongst them performs the righteous deeds” (18:7). “Verily what is on earth we shall make but as dust and dry soil (without growth or herbage)” [18:8].
