Question
We live in an apartment with a water meter, and we have to operate the control panel every time we want to use water. However, a problem has occurred with the meter, and it has become necessary to leave the water running when the meter is on, otherwise the water flow will stop completely. We have to turn off the meter and wait a few minutes before turning it on again for the water to return. There is a solution to avoid water waste, which is to fill buckets and use them when needed, but my family does not prefer this solution and prefers to leave the water running and use it directly. Are we sinning if we leave the water running for a long time or for hours? I try to avoid waste, but my mother and sisters often ask me to turn on the meter for them when they are in the bathroom, and I cannot refuse at that moment. Is what I am doing correct, or am I sinning?
Answer
The ones responsible for maintaining the apartment should hasten to fix the control panel so that the water meter functions properly, and no water is wasted. Since the responsibles of this apartment are entrusted with providing water for their residents, ensuring that water isn’t wasted due to resources they provide and maintain is a trust they must fulfill. Allah said:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their owners.”
Surah An-Nisa 4:58
And Allah said:
“And those who are to their trusts and their promises attentive.”
Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:8
And Allah said:
“So let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust faithfully.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:283
And Allah said:
“O you who believe, do not betray Allah and the Messenger, nor betray your trusts knowingly.”
Surah Al-Anfal 8:27
As for the residents, they must avoid wasting water at all costs.
Abdullah bin Amr narrated: The Messenger of Allah passed by Sa’d when he was performing ablution, and he said, “What is this extravagance?”
He said, “Can there be any extravagance in ablution?”
He said, “Yes, even if you are on the bank of a flowing river!”
Ibn Majah 425; Authentic
And using the buckets to preserve water is obligatory, for that would mean that they have water readily available for them for their personal use, even if the water meter fails! So why are they deliberately choosing to waste water instead of collecting it?! Allah said:
“Do you exchange what is better for what is worse?”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:61
So remind your family members on the importance of not being wasteful. Allah said:
“And do not waste. Indeed, He does not like the wasteful.”
Surah Al-An’am 6:141
And if they refuse to accept your Islamic advice, then you have done your job, and you won’t be held responsible for their actions. Allah said:
“You are not assigned to compel them.”
Surah Al-Ghashiyah 88:22
And Allah said:
“They will have what they earned and you will have what you earned, and you will not be questioned concerning what they used to do.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:141