BEYOND RITUAL PURITY (TAHARAH): A PRACTICAL THEOLOGICAL STUDY ON ISLAMIC WATER CONSERVATION ETHICS AND MANAGEMENT
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Islamic Environmental Ethics, Practical Theology, Water Conservation
Abstract
Growing concerns over global water scarcity have prompted renewed attention to water ethics within religious traditions, including Islam. While Islamic jurisprudence has historically emphasized taharah (ritual purity) as a fundamental component of religious practice, contemporary environmental challenges encourage a broader theological interpretation of water as a divine trust (am?nah) requiring responsible management. The gap between ritual observance and ecological stewardship underscores the need to re-examine Islamic water ethics as both a spiritual obligation and a sustainability imperative in Muslim societies. This study aims to explore practical theological applications of Islamic water ethics, focusing on how principles rooted in the Qur’an, Hadith, and classical jurisprudence can inform contemporary water conservation practices. A qualitative field-based design was adopted, combining textual analysis with case studies from three Islamic educational institutions implementing water-saving initiatives. Data were collected through document review, semi-structured interviews with educators and facility managers, and observations of ablution facility management. Results indicate that integrating prophetic traditions on minimal water usage during wudhu’ with modern environmental education significantly enhances student awareness and behavior toward water conservation. Institutions that applied structured management—such as sensor faucets, reuse systems, and awareness campaigns—reduced water consumption by up to 30%. Theologically framed conservation messaging was found to strengthen intrinsic motivation by linking environmental care directly to worship integrity and moral accountability. The study concludes that Islamic water ethics offer untapped potential for advancing ecological sustainability through faith-based educational interventions. Strengthening water management practices in Islamic institutions can support global sustainability goals while preserving the spiritual essence of taharah.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Khan, Fatima Malik, Ahmet Demir
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