'Water is a blessing': UAE worshippers to be urged to protect precious resource

Worshippers throughout the United Arab Emirates will be encouraged to conserve water and educate their children not to squander this precious resource during Friday prayers. The sermon delivered at mosques across the country highlights the importance of water as a blessing that must not be taken for granted. It recalls the hardships faced by previous generations who had to embark on perilous journeys to find water and draws parallels between those struggles and the current challenges of water scarcity.

The sermon emphasizes that water is a trust bestowed upon humanity by Allah and calls for its responsible use. It draws inspiration from the Quran, which describes water as the foundation of life, essential for everything from drinking and agriculture to the growth of vegetation and the greening of the land. Worshippers are urged to express their gratitude for water through their actions and to refrain from wasting it, following the example set by the Prophet Mohammed who performed ablution with a mere cupped handful of water.

The sermon also highlights the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, launched by President Sheikh Mohamed, which aims to raise awareness about water scarcity, spur innovation in finding solutions, and promote sustainable water management. Through this initiative, young Emiratis are encouraged to participate in developing water-saving solutions for the future.

The sermon underscores that responsible water use should extend beyond religious observance and become an integral part of family life, with parents setting an example for their children to follow.

By connecting the religious principle of avoiding waste with the UAE's broader efforts to address water scarcity, the sermon seeks to foster a collective commitment to preserving this vital resource for present and future generations.