The word water has a special status in Islamic texts. The holy Koran, which serves as the ultimate prescription to plunk humanity from the darkness of ignorance and misery, does attach special importance to natural elements such as water. In other words, the Muslim faith focuses more attention on water than other widely-practiced divine religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, etc.
The fact that water is mentioned on several occasions in the holy Koran indicates how important a role water plays in human life. Here is a look at some Koranic verses which make mention of water.
The Arabic word ma which means water is used 63 times in the holy Koran. Originally, it refers to any liquid including water and juice. In the Koran ma also takes on a number of idiomatic senses to refer, among other things, to rainwater, divine throne, origin of creation, ablution water, etc. First, we look at Koranic verses featuring different senses of the word and then examine the viewpoints of interpreters on the Koranic verse which quotes Almighty God as saying: "We made every living thing from water."
Interpreters have varied opinions on water being at the center of creation. Some believe ma means zygote in this verse because all animals, including humans, are created as a result of fertilization. Others believe that ma refers to pure water and that all living things are made from water either directly or indirectly. When it comes to the role of water in human creation, two theories come to surface. One says the Koranic sentence refers to the fact that there is a lot of water in human body. The other holds that fertilization lies at the center of human creation.
The role of water in the process of creation, no matter which theory one sticks to, comes to shed light on the infinite power of Almighty God.
Water and Mother Nature in the holy book is another issue the present paper seeks to focus on. In fact, Koranic verses which emphasize the importance of water and nature are listed below. A final issue the present paper deals with is water in Nahjul Balaghah, a very famous book by Hazrat Ali, the first Shiite Imam and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. Chapter One of the book penned by the first Shiite imam partly deals with creation. It features important topics on water, creation of heavens, and what is meant by water.
Islam attaches significance to water as a cleaning agent. Islamic texts keep reminding the faithful of the importance of water and urge them not to waste it. In light of the fact that Iranians have strong religious beliefs, inclusion of Koranic verses and Islamic instructions can help the readership develop a deeper understanding of the significance of water.

Importance of water in Koranic verses and Islamic texts
Almighty God revealed the Koran, which lies at the center of enlightenment and inspiration, to His best creature Prophet Muhammad – Peace be upon him – to be presented to humanity. The all-inclusive holy book touches on all issues relating to the universe and human life. How can one suggest that God has not included water, which is the first thing He created, in His book?
In fact, the holy book refers to natural questions such as the cycle of water, rainfall, clouds, winds and seas on several occasions in order to draw attention to the might and oneness of God. Besides, it brings up scientific issues for the faithful to ponder. The importance God attaches to water is so much so that verses 48 and 49 of Al-Furqan (Criterion) Chapter and verse 12 of Al-Ra'd (Thunder) Chapter make mention of mercy, hope and water in close proximity.
"And He it is Who sendeth the winds, glad tidings heralding His mercy, and We send down purifying water from the sky, that We may give life thereby to a dead land, and We give many beasts and men that We have created to drink thereof." (Verses 48 and 49, Al-Furqan Chapter)

"He it is Who showeth you the lightning, a fear and a hope and raiseth the heavy clouds." (Verse 12, Al-Ra'd Chapter)

Here is what Almighty God says in verse 7 of Hud Chapter about the important role water played in His creation of universe.

"And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six days – and His Throne was upon the water – that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct. Yet if thou (O Muhammad) sayest: Lo! Ye will be raised again after death! Those who disbelieve will surely say: This is naught but mere magic. (Verse 7, Hud Chapter)

That God's throne was upon water, as mentioned in the verse above, shows that the divine power was based on water before the creation of the universe. Here is another verse underscoring the importance of water.

"And We send down from the sky water in measure, and We give it lodging in the earth, and lo! We are able to withdraw it." (Verse 18, Al-Mu'minun Chapter)

It suggests that the water on earth is originated from the heavens. The holy book looks at water as key to human survival. Any reference to rainfall in the holy book is immediately followed by a sentence which stresses the vital role it plays in the sustenance of life.

"… and revive therewith the earth after its death.…" (Verse 9, Al-Fatir Chapter)
"… and sendeth down water from the sky, and thereby quickened the earth after her death…." (Verse 24, Al-Rum Chapter)

The holy Koran also says that water does play a prominent role in the beauty and greenness of the earth.

"Seest thou not how Allah sendeth down water from the sky and then earth becometh green upon the morrow? Lo! Allah is Subtile, Aware." (Verse 63, Al-Hajj Chapter)

There are other Koranic verses which stress the role of water in the greenness of Mother Nature and human life. (Collection of scientific articles presented during the Water and Culture Conference, pp 124, 125)

Water also comes up in statements and sayings attributed to the infallible household of the Muslim prophet. Here are two such sayings widely common among Shiite Muslims:
Imam Muhammad Baqer, the Fifth Shiite Imam, has stated: "Anyone who quenches the thirst of a thirsty person, is granted as much heavenly mercy by Almighty God."
The sixth Shiite Imam meanwhile has stated: "The flavor of water is the flavor of life."

As it was mentioned earlier the word ma, which means water, appears 63 times in the holy Koran. On 59 occasions the word appears in simple form; in the remaining four it is followed by possessive pronouns (In Arabic such pronouns come after nouns).

Studies suggest that in the holy book ma has one major sense and a number of idiomatic meanings. Here is a look at the original sense of the word in the book.
The Arabic word Ma was originally Mi in Hebrew and Mia in Syriac. It refers to any liquid including water and juice. Anytime it is used independently of other words, it comes to represent pure water.

Idiomatic senses of water in the holy Koran
The holy book pays meticulous attention to water. In light of the importance divine books, particularly the Koran, attach to water as key to human life, one can say that water is a unique blessing God has granted to humans. Water does play different roles in human life. Likewise, it has taken on different meanings in Koranic chapters. Here is a look at different senses of water in the holy book of Islam.
In many verses water means rainwater. One such meaning appears in verse 32 of Al-Baqarah Chapter "…and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you…."
The word ma is similarly used to refer to rainwater in verse 164 of Al-Baqarah Chapter, verse 99 of Al-An'am Chapter, verses 50 and 57 of Al-A'raf Chapter, verse 11 of Al-Anfal Chapter, verse 24 of Yunus Chapter, verse 17 of Al-Ra'd Chapter, verse 22 of Ibrahim Chapter, verses 10 and 65 of Al-Nahl Chapter, verse 45 of Al-Kahf Chapter, verse 53 of Ta-Ha Chapter, verses 5 and 63 of Al-Hajj Chapter, verse 18 of Al-Mu'minun Chapter, verse 48 of Al-Furqan Chapter, verse 60 of Al-Naml Chapter, verse 63 of Al-Ankabut Chapter, verse 24 of Al-Rum Chapter, verse 10 of Luqman Chapter, verse 27 of Al-Fatir Chapter, verse 21 of Al-Zumar Chapter, verse 39 of Fusilat Chapter, verse 11 of Zukhruf Chapter, verse 9 of Qaf Chapter, verse 11 of Al-Qamar Chapter, verse 14 of Al-Naba Chapter, and verse 25 of Al-Abasa Chapter. In these verses water is said to pour down from the sky to revive the earth after her death and to provide God's creatures with a means to survive.

Divine throne
"…and His Throne was upon the water – that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct…." (Verse 7, Hud Chapter)
This verse uses water to refer to the divine throne. The full verse suggests that God created the universe in six days and used His powers to base the creation on water.

Ablution water
"… and if ye be ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from the closet, or ye have touched women, and ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and rub your faces and your hands (therewith)…." (Verse 43, Al-Nisa Chapter)
In this verse and in verse 6 of Al-Ma'idah Chapter, water is used to refer to ablution water.

Deluge and heavy storm
"He said: I shall betake me to some mountain that will save me from the water. (Noah) said: This day there none that saved from the commandment of Allah save him on whom He hath mercy. And the wave came in between them, so he was among the drowned.
"And it was said: O earth! Swallow the water and O sky! Be cleared of clouds! And the water was made to subside. And the Commandment was fulfilled. And it (the ship) came to rest upon (the mount) Al-Judi…." (Verses 43, 44, Hud Chapter)

These verses are making reference to the Deluge. Noah urges his son to get on board the ship. He disobeys his father and says that he takes refuge in highlands not to be affected by the Deluge.

Origin of creation
"We made every living thing from water." (Verse 30, Al-Anbiya Chapter)
"Allah hath created every animal of water…." (Verse 45, Al-Nur Chapter)
In these verses water is used to refer to the origin of creation and creation of living things is based upon water.

Zygote
"He is created from a gushing fluid."(Verse 6, Al-Tariq Chapter)
"Did we not create you from a base fluid?" (Verse 20, Al-Mursalat Chapter)
"And He it is Who hath created man from water and hath appointed for him kindred by blood and kindred by marriage…. "(Verse 54, Al-Furqan Chapter)
In these verses water comes to represent the zygote, the first phase on the road to creation. A closer look at these divine verses helps everyone to develop an understanding of the power of God who has used a base fluid to create the best of His creatures.

Rivers and stream
"…Therein are rivers of water unpolluted, and rivers of milk whereof the flavor changeth not, and rivers of wine delicious to the drinkers, and rivers of clear-run honey;…" (Verse 15, Muhammad Chapter)
In this verse water represents rivers and streams.

"And after that He spread the earth, and produced therefrom the water thereof and the pasture thereof." (Verses 31, 32 of Al-Nazi'at Chapter)
In these verses and in verse 12 of Ibrahim Chapter, water means stream.

Water in hell
"Hell is before him and he is made to drink festering water." (Verse 16, Ibrahim Chapter)
In this verse ma (water) represents the water hell-dwellers have to drink.

Verse 30 of Al-Mulk Chapter, verses 27 and 28 of Al-Qamar Chapter, and verse 41 of Al-Kahf Chapter use the word ma to refer to a well. Similarly, verse 23 of Al-Qasas Chapter which features the story of the father-in-law of Moses uses water in the same sense to refer to the well in Midian.

Water and creation
Verse 30 of Al-Anbiya Chapter quotes God as saying "We made every living thing from water." In other words, all living beings including plants, animals and humans have been made from water. Contrary to its apparent meaning, the Arabic verb Ja'al used in this sentence means created. Similarly, verse 45 of Al-Nur Chapter says: "Allah hath created every animal of water." Some interpreters suggest that water here means zygote. Others, however, say water means what it means because all animals are created from water either directly or indirectly. They say the link between the creation of marine animals and water is direct and that the creation of others which live on land is indirectly linked to water. They come into being as a result of a union between a male sperm and a female ovum. This union in turn has its roots in food of which water is an inseparable part.

Seyyed Qotb is among interpreters who believe water is at the center of creation. He says according to modern scientific findings water is the origin of every living being and that life has its roots in seawater. There are several Koranic verses suggesting that water lies at the center of human creation. In some cases water is used alone and in some others there are some adjectives. Here are some of these verses.

"And He it is Who hath created man from water and hath appointed for him kindred by blood and kindred by marriage…. "(Verse 54, Al-Furqan Chapter)
"Allah hath created every animal of water…." (Verse 45, Al-Nur Chapter)
"And He began the creation of man of clay. Then he made his seed from a draught of despised fluid." (Verses 8 and 9, Al-Sajdah Chapter)
A draught of despised liquid might seem insignificant on the surface; but the structure of living cells floating in the fluid and the life-sustaining composition of the fluid itself are of great importance. They show how powerful Almighty God is. Experts look at "creation from water" from two angles.
1. That human creation is based on water means water accounts for a major part of human body. Biologists believe water constitutes two-thirds of a human body. Water inside body cells has a lot of potassium; whereas water outside cells has a lot of salt, quite similar to the seawater which sustained initial life millions of years ago. Later when marine animals found their way onto land, they brought the water inside with them. The fact that in the absence of such water they would not be viable confirms this Koranic statement that “God hath created humans from water.”
2. The other prevailing viewpoint in this regard is that humans are created as a result of a union between eggs and sperms. In interpreting verse 30 of Al-Anbiya Chapter of the Koran, Meibodi says by water the holy verse means zygote. Some suggest it is drinking water because God first created water and then turned it into fire. That in turn was transformed into sludge and then to wind. Then came the creation of angels. Still then water was turned into clay which was the cornerstone of human body.
“What has God made man from,” Abu Harireh once asked the prophet of Islam. In response Prophet Muhammad said “water”.
In interpretation of this verse some religious experts suggest "every living thing" refers to animals. Others suggest that it is a reference to animals and plants alike because the survival and growth of plants directly depends on water and that such an interpretation is much closer to the intended meaning of the verse. Surprisingly some experts do not place plants under the living thing column. But this viewpoint is not compatible with what the holy book says: “We revive the earth after her death.” According to this verse anything which is alive and grows on the face of the earth is a living thing.
“Verily We created man from a product of wet earth; Then placed him as a drop (of seed) in a lodging; Then fashioned We the drop a clot, then fashioned We the clot a little lump, then fashioned We the little lump bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, and then produced it as another creation. So blessed be Allah, the best of creators.” (Verses 12, 13, 14, Al-Mu’minun Chapter)
Although water does not assume any special shape, unless placed in a vessel, and humans cannot shape things other than clay, wood, rock, gold, silver and objects along the same line, God shaped water so skillfully. An impossible feat to humans is done by Almighty God so masterfully as to constitute His best creature. Human beauty is a reflection of the shape the water assumes.
Whatever the intended meaning of water, it plays an important role in human creation and in its absence human life and human survival would be impossible.

Water and nature from Koranic perspective
A look at Koranic verses dealing with the role of water in human life reveals the obvious. In the age of science and technology, everyone is familiar with water. It is obvious what was presented by the holy book about water, seas and oceans was not affected by myths and superstition. Koranic verses which among other things deal with the role of water in nature are proof of the power of Almighty God.
“And We send down from the sky blessed water whereby We give growth unto gardens and the grain of crops and lofty date-palms with ranged clusters. Provision (made) for men; and therewith We quicken a dead land. Even so will be the resurrection of the dead.” (Verses 9, 10 and 11, Qaf Chapter)
“And We send down from the sky water in measure, and We give it lodging in the earth, and Lo! We are able to withdraw it. Then We produce for you therewith gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein is much fruit for you and whereof ye eat.” (Verses 18 and 19, Al-Mu’minun Chapter)

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