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

With the State government sounding the alarm on the effects of El Nino, Islamic scholar and khateeb of the the Shahi Masjid Maulana Ahsan al Hamoumi, in Public Gardens, has called for masjids in Telangana to construct a used water harvesting system.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Maulana al Hamoumi underscored that before performing the obligatory congregational prayers, a large number of worshippers perform their ablutions so as to clean themselves. While cleanliness is a core principle of Islam, he underscored that Prophet Muhammad laid great emphasis on being careful with using water.

“The government has been speaking of the effects of El Nino, the paucity of rains and the rainfall deficit. This is an alarming situation. But, thankfully, there is a solution wherein we can do out bit to recharge groundwater levels. There are two things: one, rainwater harvesting pits. Secondly, which is the current case for masjids, constructing used water pits. The water used for ablution will go into these structures, and will play its part in recharging groundwater. Masjid management does not have to worry about water filtration as this is a natural phenomenon,” he said.

Mr. Maulana al Hamoumi said that the Shahi Masjid has both rainwater and and used water harvesting pits. He said that people donate copies of the Quran, prayer mats and skull caps to masjids year round. While this does have its place, and benefit, the need of the hour is helping masjid management to construct used water harvesting pits. “Of course, such donations have their reward in the afterlife. But, we see that 20% to 30% wash their hands, face, and feet as a part of their ablutions. Instead of this water going into the sewage system, it can go into used water harvesting pits,” he said.

Published - November 03, 2026 06:29 pm IST