ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta’ala, teaches us in Qur’an, the importance and value of water, as HE says:

Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of Creation), before We clove them asunder? WE made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (Qur’an — Chapter Al-Anbiya: Verse 30)

It is HE Who sends the winds like heralds of glad tidings, going before HIS Mercy: when they have carried the heavy-laden clouds, WE drive them to a land that is dead, make rain to descend thereon, and produce every kind of harvest therewith: thus shall WE raise up the dead perchance you may remember. (Qur’an — Chapter Al-‘Araaf: Verse 57)

…You see the earth barren and lifeless, but when WE pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth in pairs. (Qur’an — Chapter Al-Haj: Verse 5)

It is HE Who has created man from water: then has HE established relationships of lineage and marriage: for your Lord has power (over all things). (Qur’an — Chapter Al-Furqan: Verse 54)

And do they not see that WE do drive rain to parched soil (bare of herbage), and produce therewith crops, providing food for their cattle and themselves? Have they not the vision? (Qur’an — Chapter Al-Sajdah: Verse 27)

It is clear from these verses that without water, there cannot be life, neither human, nor animal, nor plant. All creatures are dependent upon water for survival. Science has determined that the human body is made up of about 70% water. We need to drink water to maintain our bodily functions, including temperature regulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen, protecting tissues and joints and cleaning out toxins and wastes. In addition, making sure to drink enough water can prevent constipation, reduce the wrinkling of skin and even suppresses the appetite, which can help control weight. It’s because water is essential to healthy blood flow, trouble-free functioning of the digestive tract and maintaining proper body temperature-which is especially important during exercise, when we’re losing water constantly through breathing, sweating and other basic bodily functions. So the more you work out, the more important it is to keep tabs on constant replenishment.

While we may drink tea, coffee or soft drinks, they are not a substitute for water. Actually, caffeinated drinks and tend to increase fluid loss, requiring more water to make up for lost fluids. Alcohol, though we do not consume, but has this same effect. In addition, the sugar in these beverages inhibits the absorption of water by the body.

It is generally agreed that the average adult requires at least 8 full glasses (60-80 ounces) of water a day. Heavy activity or exertion and high temperatures will increase fluid loss requiring even more water consumption. An easy rule of thumb is to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of weight, so a 150-pound person should drink 75 ounces of water a day, about 8 glasses.

Not drinking enough water leads to dehydration, that can result in serious health problems including, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, asthma, headaches, allergies, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, chronic fatigue, depression and abdominal pain. We must get in the habit of drinking water regularly throughout the day, not just when we feel thirsty. In fact, when you feel thirsty, you have already begun to dehydrate, so you are already late in drinking. Other signs of dehydration or not drinking enough water are dark colored urine and dry skin.

Many of us are used to snacking on things during the day. One way to drink enough water is to keep a bottle or glass nearby and take a sip every few minutes, or chug half a glass every half hour or so. It will pay off in better health and more energy.