‘’If only there was one town that believed and benefited by its belief, except for the people of Jonah. When they believed, We removed from them the suffering of disgrace, in the worldly life, and We gave them comfort for a while’’ (10:98)

It is related that Jonah left his people thinking that they were doomed, unless they believed. They reasoned and reflected. And, professed belief before chastisement overtook them. They were thus saved from disgrace, which they would have otherwise faced, had they not believed, and adhered to faith. Their belief before any calamity struck them provided them comfort for a while, which could be taken to mean as long the belief, the faith lasted.

It follows thus that even in the all-important matter of belief and faith, freedom of choice is the norm—the divine norm. Otherwise, it was not beyond Almighty God to make people who dwell on earth to believe:

‘’Had your Lord willed, everyone on earth would have believed. Will you compel people to be believers’’ (10:99)

If human beings had not been endowed with freedom of choice, all those who dwell on earth would have been made to believe. Keeping in view the divine norm, the message contained in Holy Quran puts a question to the messenger—Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) that given the divine norm, will you compel people to be believers? Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) carried the message of belief and faith, it was left to people to reason and reflect.

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This comes in the backdrop of major water crisis presently affecting several parts of India including Karnataka and the sweltering summer heat in Kerala itself.

The Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Qutbah (SKJQ), a feeder organisation of Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama asked all khatibs (Religious speakers) to spread awareness on water conservation during Friday prayers, The New Indian Express reported.

Quoting the last prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), the SKJQ general secretary Nazar Faizi Koodathayi said, even if one is performing wuzu (ablution for prayers) from the water of flowing river, he shouldn’t waste it.

The top religious organization in the state has urged believers to exercise care while performing ablution under a running tap, especially while moving from washing one organ to the other.

“It is advisable to depend on ablution tanks for wuzu when there is water shortage. After ablution, the water should be used for agriculture or other purposes,” Faizi said.

He said supplying drinking water is a pious deed that will be rewarded in the hereafter.

“A person had asked the Prophet (PBUH) about how he could ensure heaven for his deceased mother. To which the holy Prophet replied that he should distribute drinking water among people,” Faizi said.

Although plenty water is available in Kerala, he said creating awareness on saving water is imperative as climate changes are posing a threat to the water bodies.

“Decline in rainfall and depletion of groundwater are signs of an impending catastrophe,” Faizi said.
‘40% of sources polluted’

“Around 40% of our water sources are polluted. People should be made aware of such things and should be exhorted to prevent a disaster,” Faizi said.

Faizi said the Quran had several verses that underlined the importance of water.
“Surah 23, verse 18 says, ‘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.’

Similarly, Surah 67, verse 29 says, ‘Did you even consider: if all the water that you have (in the wells) were to sink down into the depths of the earth, who will produce for you clear, flowing water?”

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The Al-Faqir Well also known as the Salman Al-Farsi Well stands as a historic landmark as it is said the well was purchased by Salman Al-Farsi and donated to the Muslims during the times Prophet (PBUH).

Salman Al-Farsi was a man from Persia, who had heard about the Prophet and his message, following which he travelled all the way to Madinah, to meet the Prophet and embrace Islam.

Located in the Alya area of Madinah, the well is surrounded by orchards and used pulleys for water extraction in the past.

The well is now under the supervision of Madinah Region Development Authority.

The renovation of the space includes: the installation of an iron fence around the well and its conduits. Water paths, the bridge and the main gate have been reinforced with local stone from Madinah, reported Arab News.

The consistency with the original construction has been carefully maintained during the renovation.

The area has also witnessed the planting of palm trees, while the internal courtyard has been improved and stone benches installed for visitors.

Saudi government restored 1400 years old Al Faqir well in #Madina. It is said that Salman Farsi رضي الله عنه bought this well and donated it to Muslims during the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. pic.twitter.com/6YUtanGkOi

— Life in Saudi Arabia (@LifeSaudiArabia) March 13, 2024

An informative plaque has been added at the entrance, providing details about the location and its history.

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