Shahi Masjid imam calls for ‘used water harvesting pit’ to recharge groundwater against El Nino backdrop

The State government has expressed concern over the impact of El Nino, and Islamic scholar Maulana Ahsan al Hamoumi, who serves as the khateeb at the Shahi Masjid in Public Gardens, has urged masjids in Telangana to build a system for harvesting used water. During an interview with The Hindu, Maulana al Hamoumi emphasized that numerous worshippers perform ablutions prior to congregational prayers, consuming a significant amount of water.

Though cleanliness is a fundamental principle of Islam, Prophet Muhammad stressed the importance of conserving water. The government's focus on El Nino's effects, dwindling rainfall, and rainfall deficit has raised alarm, but the solution lies in groundwater recharge. The two viable options are rainwater harvesting pits and constructed used water pits.

The latter is particularly applicable to masjids, as the water utilized for ablutions can be redirected to these pits, contributing to groundwater replenishment. The Shahi Masjid already possesses both rainwater and used water harvesting pits. While the donation of Quran copies, prayer mats, and skull caps remains valued, the urgent need is to guide masjid management in constructing the used water harvesting pits.

Maulana al Hamoumi noted that typically, 20% to 30% of worshippers clean their hands, face, and feet during ablutions. Rather than this water entering the sewage system, it could be channeled into the used water pits.