Water : The Basis for Life { Envir Everyday}
According to a verse in the Qur’an, water is the basis of all living things. The principle of being a living organism is tied to water. More than 70% of the human body consists of water. Most crops, including vegetables and fruits, are rich in water. Beyond biology, water is a primary component embedded in economic activities, and no household can function in daily life without it.
Historical Respect for Water
Throughout history, people have respected water for its vital role in survival and prosperity. There is even a false belief that the pharaohs used to throw one of the finest Egyptian girls into the Nile as a sacrifice for the river’s significance in ancient Egypt. Mentioning the Nile recalls Herodotus’ famous quote: “Egypt is the gift of the Nile.”
Types and Perceptions of Water
There are various forms of water in the environment—from salty to fresh. Some bodies of water host rich marine life, while others are considered “dead” with no life. Water shapes geography: islands are defined by being surrounded by water, while lakes are bodies of water surrounded by land.
Water changes not only landscapes but also perceptions and uses. Economic activities depend on how communities exploit water resources. Cultural differences, social strata, and even gender roles can influence how water is valued and used.
Scarcity and Abundance
Today, water scarcity is a growing issue in some regions, leading to droughts and crises. Meanwhile, regions with abundant water often take it for granted. Like any vital resource, water’s true value is only recognized when it becomes scarce. A single drop may seem insignificant, but that very drop holds the potential for life to bloom and flourish.
Water in Social and Political Arenas
Discussions about water extend across many spheres—from social and cultural to political. They are present within local communities but also stretch across borders, sometimes even turning into conflicts and heated debates.
Why Water Matters
Why is water unlike any other element? All components of life are essential for sustainability, but water is unique—it is life itself, the core constituent of existence.
Reflection: What is Water to You?
Water holds different meanings depending on perspective: survival, blessing, resource, or even identity. The question remains—what does water mean to you?
Comments
Post a Comment