Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … From the two aforementioned ahadith, it is understood that the one who has land closest to the natural water is most deserving of it. However, once his need is fulfilled, he has no right to withhold the water; he must leave it for his neighbor. Then, after the neighbor has fulfilled his need, he must leave it for the third neighbor in line. And so on, by analogy.

Water, fire, and grass—these three are such essential necessities of life that if any surplus of them is withheld or their buying and selling is initiated, it would be no less than a great calamity for the people. In those areas of Pakistan where fuel and water must be purchased, even a person with moderate income finds it very difficult to make ends meet. The government, as well as the influential and wealthy people of the area, should be concerned with how these blessings can be made easily accessible to the people. For example, in rural areas, by planting trees over some land and declaring it a common pasture, and by allowing poor people to cut wood from there; similarly, in areas where there is a shortage of water, by adopting various means to supply water there. In those cities where gas cylinders are used for fuel, or where there is ongoing gas load-shedding, except for a few wealthy individuals, the people there mentally feel themselves afflicted with a strange hardship.

The Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, in a specific era, specified water, fire, and grass. The intent of his sallallahu alayhi wa sallam statement is that today, the prices of electricity, gas, petrol, diesel, kerosene, oil, and mineral water should be controlled. In fact, it is better that all these resources be in the custody of the government, and government officials should strive to discover new reserves of these blessings and make the lives of the general public more convenient. The sector responsible for supplying drinking water should be made active and strictly supervised.