MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Saad Ibrahim emphasized that water is more than just a natural resource. It is a shared responsibility, especially for Muslims.
Indonesia is blessed with abundant natural resources, including water. Saad stressed that it’s the duty of the people to manage and care for these resources wisely.
“For Muslims, water has deep religious significance,” he said. “We need water for acts of worship like prayer, which begins with ablution. In emergencies, alternatives are allowed, but water is central to our faith,” said Saad in the Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah workshop on Wednesday, April 16.
Saad also pointed out that water is essential for life, noting that the human body is made up of around 70% water.
From a theological perspective, water is also associated with the beauty of paradise, as described in the Qur’an, particularly in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 25. Thus, environmental care is closely tied to Islamic teachings and spiritual values.
Saad even drew a connection to how former Singaporean leader Lee Kuan Yew was inspired by the Quranic descriptions of paradise in shaping a clean and green Singapore.
“Islamic teachings, when practiced sincerely, bring goodness wherever and whenever they are applied. When that goodness is guided by faith, it leads people to paradise,” said Saad.
Meanwhile, Director of Eco Bhinneka Muhammadiyah and Vice Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Council for Environmental Preservation Hening Parlan explained that the program’s goal is to promote better water conservation practices in mosque communities by encouraging changes in behavior.
“This program includes several important steps. It starts with field surveys, continues with community education, and is supported by academic discussions and improved facilities,” said Hening.
During the workshop, participants worked together to review the program, develop action plans and timelines, and assign responsibilities to team members.
This initiative supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. The pilot phase will take place in five provinces: Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Java.
