Sustainable Development in Islam

From WaterWiki.net

Summary

On Water: "In the Shariah, there is a responsibility placed on upstream farms to be considerate of downstream users (management of shared water resources). A farm beside a stream is forbidden to monopolize its water. After withholding a reasonable amount of water for his crops, the farmer must release the rest to those downstream. Furthermore, if the water is insufficient for all of the farms along the stream, the needs of the older farms are to be satisfied before the newer farm is permitted to irrigate. This reflects the sustainable utilization of water based on its safe yield. According to jurists such as Malik and Ibn Qudamah, these same principles apply to the extraction of groundwater. A person has no right to adversely affect his neighbor’s well by lowering the water table or polluting the aquifer."

Additional remark by Iyad Abumoghli (16 April 2007)

• IDRC has also published a report on Water Rights and Water Trade From an Islamic perspective (http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-93956-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html) which also argues that Islam considers water in rivers, lakes, glaciers, aquifers, and seas, and from snow and rainfall is a public good. Anyone has the right to use it (properly) for drinking and for agricultural and industrial purposes as long as this does not hinder environmental or public welfare.

• Other resources talking about the free right of humans to water include:
  • Drops of Faith: Water in Islam (http://www.islamonline.net/english/Contemporary/2002/11/Article02.shtml)
  • Water Management in Islam (http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=103162598)

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Attachments

 Sustainable Development in Islamic Law - Iyad Abumoghli.doc