Water: The Most Precious Element for Life and Purification

Water, often regarded as the most basic necessity for life, holds a profound significance beyond its merely utilitarian value. In fact, the law of inverse utility, an economic principle, states that the more utility a commodity has, the less it costs. Conversely, the less utility it has, the higher its cost typically is. This principle finds a striking example in the eternal tug-of-war between the seemingly priceless and the costless.

Water and Its Inherent Value

Water, a prime example of the law of inverse utility, defies common economic principles. It is the most essential element on earth, the source of life, and a purifier of both physical and spiritual nature. Unlike diamonds, gold, or precious gems, which hold high value due to rarity and lack of utility, water’s utility is immense and irreplaceable. While we often take water for granted, its economic value is not measured in dollars and cents but in the sheer necessity of its existence.

Water and the Origin of Life

The Quran beautifully encapsulates the divine significance of water in the following verses:

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? - Quran 21:30

These verses, among others, underscore the belief in water as a divine gift that symbolizes profound wisdom and the very essence of life. Since the dawn of human existence, water has been an integral part of our survival and has played a crucial role in the evolution of both human and animal life.

The Human Body and the Role of Water

Human bodies, just like living beings, are predominantly made of water. On average, at birth, the human body is 75% water. As we grow, this percentage decreases to around 60% in adults. Moreover, water makes up approximately 60% of an adult's body weight, 75% of brain and muscles, and 85% of the blood. This staggering fact highlights the critical role that water plays in maintaining the body's functions. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the body depends on water to perform its necessary functions.

The Brain and Water

The human brain, a marvel of complex intelligence, is composed of 90% water. This means that the most intelligent knowledge and wisdom that a human can possess are fundamentally rooted in water. The importance of water in maintaining the brain's functionality cannot be overstated. It plays a key role in cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.

Spiritual Purification and Ablutions

Indeed, water has a deep resonance in the spiritual realm as well. In religious and cultural contexts, water is not just a physical entity but a symbol of cleansing and purification. The following verses from the Quran beautifully illustrate the practice of purification:

O believers! When you rise up for prayer wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows wipe your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of full impurity then take a full bath. But if you are ill on a journey or have relieved yourselves or have been intimate with your wives and cannot find water then purify yourselves with clean earth by wiping your faces and hands. It is not God’s Will to burden you but to purify you and complete His favour upon you so perhaps you will be grateful. - Quran 5:6

This practice of purification through water (ablutions) is a fundamental aspect of many religious and cultural rituals. It serves not just to cleanse the physical body but to cleanse the spirit, preparing one for divine encounters and spiritual growth.

The Role of Rain in Revitalizing the Earth

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of water in nourishing and revitalizing the earth:

And He is the One Who sends the winds ushering in His mercy and We send down pure rain from the sky giving life to a lifeless land and providing water for countless animals and humans of Our Own creation. - Quran 25:48–49

Rain, a form of water, is seen as a gift that sustains life. Water, in all its forms, plays a crucial role in nurturing every living being, making it the most precious element on earth.

The Equitable Distribution of Water

Water, being the most precious and vital element, demands equitable management and distribution. It is not merely a resource but an essential component of life, and its mismanagement can have catastrophic consequences. The equitable distribution of water is crucial for the well-being of all living beings, including humans, animals, and plant life. Water must not be treated as a commodity to be hoarded or exploited, but as a common resource to be shared and cared for.

Conclusion:

Water, beyond its physical value, holds a profound spiritual and symbolic significance. It is a gift from the divine, a source of life, and a symbol of purification. Understanding the true value and importance of water can lead to better stewardship and management of this vital resource, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.