World Water Day: The right to life

A right to life, the right of water.

Today, 22^nd March is World Water Day 2024 as marked by the UN.

The theme of this year is ‘Water for peace’ and as the world continues to experience a number of global crises, the number of people without access to clean drinking water continues to rise.

Amongst the conflict and oppression, severe drought, famine and natural disaster, there is an urgent global need for stable, regular access to clean water. Currently 1 in 3 people (WHO) across the world do not have access to safe water supply. This figure has continued to rise with continuing climate change and man-made conflicts.

Public health services, sewage and filtration systems, food supply chains, manufacturing and agriculture all rely upon constant water in order to support society. WASH systems (Water, sanitation and health) which are vital to eliminate waste and improve health are vital to support community health. Clean drinking water is essential for all, particularly pregnant women, children and those with underlying health conditions.

Across Gaza, where the conflict rages on, less than 10% of the water supply is fit for human consumption. Total destruction of infrastructure has resulted in wide-spread contamination and increased risk of disease, in a country where hospitals and medical clinics have been destroyed. Severe dehydration, alongside starvation, is claiming lives each day.

For those in Yemen, years of drought and famine have left 17 million people without access to regular, safe water supply. Only 30% of the population are able to access the water network, meaning thousands of vulnerable women and children must walk miles in unsafe conditions each day to find water.

In Syria where war has raged for 13 years, the scarcity of water has increased rapidly since 2020 due to decreased rainfall. People are forced to rely on untreated water sources and inadequate sewage systems, increasing the risk of waterborne disease in a region already struggling with so much for so long.

Water in Islam

Water is a basic human right for all and imperative to life, good health and avoiding poverty or famine.

The Qur’an and Sunnah are clear on the importance of water as a blessing, a right and as a form of charity:

“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.” (Qur’an 23:18)

Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, my mother has died. Shall I give charity on her behalf?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Yes.” I said, “Which charity is best?” The Prophet said, “A drink of water.” (Sunan al-Nasā’ī 3664)