Water is considered one of the most precious natural resources that God has bestowed upon us, and preserving it is a religious and national duty. Mosques are at the forefront of places where water consumption should be rationalized, given that they are places of worship and purification, and are frequented by large numbers of worshipers daily. This article aims to provide a set of effective tips and practices for rationalizing water consumption in mosques, by reviewing practical and applicable solutions that contribute to reducing water loss and enhancing awareness of the importance of preserving it.

The Importance of Rationalizing Water Consumption in Mosques

Religious and Ethical Dimension

Rationalizing water consumption in Islam is based on fundamental principles that urge moderation and balance in everything, and prohibit extravagance and waste. God Almighty said: "And eat and drink, but do not waste. Indeed, He does not like those who waste" (Al-A'raf: 31). This divine guidance includes all aspects of life, including the use of water in daily worship. A Muslim is commanded to perform ablution correctly and completely, but without exceeding the required limit or wasting water unnecessarily. Rationalizing consumption reflects a religious and ethical awareness of the importance of this precious resource, and a responsibility towards future generations.

Mosques, as houses of God, should be a good example in preserving natural resources and applying the principles of sustainability. When worshipers see clear efforts to rationalize water consumption in the mosque, it increases their awareness of the importance of this matter and encourages them to adopt similar behaviors in their homes and workplaces. The role of the mosque goes beyond just a place of worship, to include spreading environmental awareness and promoting ethical values related to the preservation of resources.

Economic and Environmental Dimension

Extravagance in water consumption in mosques entails high economic costs, borne by the state and society. Increased demand for water leads to higher consumption bills and increased pressure on water and sewage networks. In addition, the production and distribution of water requires significant investments in infrastructure and energy consumption, which increases carbon emissions and negatively affects the environment. Rationalizing consumption contributes to reducing these costs and providing financial resources that can be invested in other development projects.

Conserving water has many environmental benefits, as it contributes to protecting groundwater and surface water resources from depletion and pollution, preserving biodiversity, and reducing desertification. When water consumption is rationalized in mosques, it reduces the amount of wastewater flowing into sewage networks, which alleviates the burden on treatment plants and reduces environmental pollution. Rationalizing consumption is an essential part of the efforts made to achieve sustainable development and ensure a better future for future generations.

Practical Tips for Rationalizing Water Consumption in Mosques

Installing Water Conservation Tools

Installing water conservation tools in bathrooms and ablution areas is one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption. Traditional faucets can be replaced with low-flow faucets or sensor-operated faucets, which automatically shut off when not in use. Low-flow shower heads can also be installed in showers, and dual-flush water tanks can be used in toilets, which allow choosing the amount of water used as needed. These tools do not reduce the efficiency of use, but help save large amounts of water without affecting the quality of cleanliness.

In addition, aerators can be installed on faucets, which are small nozzles that mix water with air, reducing the amount of water flowing without affecting the thrust. Timers can also be used to automatically turn off the water in ablution areas, in case a worshiper forgets to turn off the faucet. Ensure that the tools used are of high quality and comply with standard specifications to ensure their efficiency and longevity.

Conducting Periodic Maintenance

Conducting periodic maintenance of the water network in the mosque is necessary to detect and repair leaks as quickly as possible. All faucets, valves, tanks and pipes should be checked regularly to ensure there are no visible or hidden leaks. A specialist technician can be used to detect hidden leaks using specialized equipment and repair them immediately. Neglecting periodic maintenance may lead to the aggravation of leaks, increased water loss, and higher consumption bills.

In addition, tanks should be cleaned periodically to get rid of sediments and algae that may accumulate in them and affect the quality of the water. The integrity of the waterproof insulation of the tanks should also be ensured to prevent water from leaking into the walls and ceilings. Sub-meters can also be installed on the internal water network to identify areas of excessive consumption and facilitate the detection of leaks.

Raising Awareness of Worshipers about the Importance of Water Conservation

Organizing Awareness Campaigns

Organizing awareness campaigns for worshipers about the importance of water conservation is an effective means of changing behaviors and promoting environmental awareness. Lectures, seminars and workshops can be organized to address the issue of water conservation from a religious, economic and environmental perspective, and to explain the importance of preserving this precious resource. Awareness leaflets, brochures and posters can also be distributed, containing practical tips and guidelines for rationalizing consumption in the mosque and at home.

In addition, the Friday sermon can be used to emphasize the importance of water conservation and link it to the tolerant teachings of Islam. Social media and digital channels can also be used to spread awareness messages and share success stories in the field of rationalizing consumption. Awareness campaigns should be continuous and diverse, and target all age groups, to ensure maximum impact.

Placing Informational Signs

Placing informational signs in bathrooms and ablution areas is a simple and effective way to remind worshipers of the importance of water conservation. These signs can contain short and impactful phrases that urge not to waste water and to close faucets tightly after use. The signs can also include illustrations showing how to perform ablution correctly and economically, and avoid waste. The signs should be placed in prominent places and in clear and understandable language to ensure that the message reaches as many worshipers as possible.

In addition, awareness stickers can be placed on faucets and toilets, reminding of the importance of conserving water and providing practical tips for rationalizing consumption. Attractive colors and graphics can also be used to attract the attention of worshipers and make the message more impactful. The signs and stickers should be updated periodically to ensure that they remain effective and attractive.

Using Modern Technologies in Water Conservation

Smart Irrigation Systems

If there are green spaces around the mosque, smart irrigation systems can be used to rationalize water consumption in irrigation. These systems rely on sensors that measure soil moisture and weather conditions, and determine the amount of water needed for irrigation, and the timing of operation and shutdown. Drip irrigation systems can also be used, which deliver water directly to the roots of plants, reducing the loss resulting from evaporation and surface runoff. These systems help save large amounts of water and improve the quality of plants.

In addition, treated water can be used to irrigate green spaces, after ensuring that it complies with standard specifications and that there are no health or environmental risks. Rainwater can also be collected and stored, and used for irrigation or other non-drinking purposes. Native plants should be selected that tolerate harsh climatic conditions and require small amounts of water.

Applying Abar to Deliver Bottled Water to Mosques

The Abar application is an innovative solution to provide bottled water to mosques easily and conveniently. The application allows mosques to order water from various brands available in the market, such as Nova, Perrier, and Tania, among others, at competitive prices and with free delivery. Mosque officials can specify the required quantities and schedule orders as needed, ensuring the availability of pure water permanently without the need to store large quantities or bear the burden of transportation.

In addition, the Abar application provides an order tracking service, allowing mosque officials to follow up on the status of the order and the location of the representative until it reaches the mosque. The application also provides multiple payment methods, making the payment process easier and more flexible. The Abar application can be downloaded from the following links: Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.

The Role of Governmental and Private Institutions

Supporting Rationalization Initiatives

Governmental and private institutions play an important role in supporting water conservation initiatives in mosques. The government can provide financial and technical support to mosques to install water conservation tools, conduct periodic maintenance, and implement awareness campaigns. Private companies can also offer special offers and discounts to mosques on water conservation products and services. Governmental and private institutions should cooperate and coordinate with each other to ensure maximum impact.

In addition, governmental and private institutions can organize training courses and workshops for workers in mosques on how to rationalize water consumption and manage the water network efficiently. Awards and certificates of appreciation can also be presented to mosques that excel in the field of rationalizing consumption, to motivate them to make more efforts.

The following table shows the percentage of sodium, solids, and pH in a number of bottled water brands:

The following table provides a comparison between some of the most famous bottled water brands in Saudi Arabia, focusing on three main indicators that affect water quality and health: sodium content (mg/L), total dissolved solids (mg/L), and pH. These indicators help consumers and mosque officials make informed decisions when choosing the right bottled water, taking into account health needs and personal preferences.

The following is a list of some important practices for conserving water in mosques:

This list aims to clarify some of the basic and effective practices that mosques can follow to significantly reduce water consumption. By adopting these practices and applying them regularly, mosques can contribute to preserving this valuable resource and reducing the costs associated with water consumption.

• Make sure to close faucets tightly after use.
• Report any water leaks immediately upon discovery.
• Use water conservation tools in bathrooms and ablution areas.
• Raise awareness of worshipers about the importance of water conservation.
• Clean tanks periodically.
• Check the internal water network regularly.
• Use treated water or rainwater to irrigate green spaces.

Conclusion

Rationalizing water consumption in mosques is a shared responsibility, requiring the concerted efforts of all concerned parties, from imams, preachers, workers, worshipers, and governmental and private institutions. Applying the tips and practices contained in this article, and adhering to the tolerant teachings of Islam, will contribute to preserving this precious resource and ensuring a better future for future generations. Always remember that water is life, and preserving it is preserving life.

"The extravagant is not generous, but the generous is the one who gives without being extravagant." - Ali bin Abi Talib (may God be pleased with him)