Water conservation device

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

Water conservation device

Question

no. 2162 for the year 2005 which includes the following:
Our council has developed a device that saves tap water up to 50% in some cases. Typical to water in Greater Cairo, this percentage fluctuates according to changes in water pressure. The device called "Wafer", consists of two plastic pieces containing supplementary parts that hinder strong water flow, turns it into a steady flow and, to a certain extent, clears impurities from it. This device is subsidized and the council endeavors to install it free of charge in places of ablution in mosques, schools, youth centers, clubs, administrations, ministries and government authorities.
 

Answer

 

In addition to its effective economical role, this project is considered among the valuable projects that help spread cultural values and moral awareness among people.
Apart from being an important economic factor in water conservation, economy is a moral value in itself. Islam teaches its followers to disapprove of  wastefulness per se. 'Abdullah Ibn 'Amr (may Allah be pleased be with him) narrated that the Prophet passed by Sa'd while he was performing ablution and said,
"What is this wastefulness?"
 Sa'd asked, "Is it possible to be wasteful during ablution?"
The Prophet replied, "Yes, even if you are on the bank of a flowing river."[1]
The Prophet also instructed Muslims on how to progress from consumption to productivity. Anas Ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he said, "If the Hour (Day of Judgment) comes while one of you is planting a seedling, he should carry on and plant it."[2]
Furthermore, in Islam, extravagance is depicted as exceeding the limits and is attached to Allah's wrath. Allah Almighty says,
Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excesses therein, lest My Wrath should justly descend on you: and those on whom descends My wrath do perish indeed. [Taha, 81]
The Prophet is the best example in this respect. Safina, the Prophet's servant (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "One sa'[3] of water would suffice the Prophet to wash from janaba[4] and one mudd[5] would suffice him for ablution."[6]
Allah Almighty says,
Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah. [Al-Ahzab, 21]
We ask Allah Almighty to reward those working on the project abundantly, bless their work and make their efforts  sincere for His sake. We further ask Allah to grant Muslims success in comprehending the injunctions of Islamic law and in executing them in a manner that pleases Him. Allah is the All-Hearing, the Responsive.
Allah the Almighty knows best.  


[1]Recorded by Ahmed and Ibn Majah.
[2]Reported by Ahmed in his Musnad and by Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad from Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him). 
[3]Sa': 2.04 kg.
[4]Janaba: major ritual impurity.
[5]Mudd: 510 grams.
[6]Reported by Muslim.
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