What Is Water?
There are two ways to answer this question — literarily or literally. Which one do you prefer?
Of course, in a science class, I would have no other choice but to define water using its H2O formula. I’d have to think of it, literally: as molecules, atoms, and a chemical substance existing in three different states — liquid, gas, and solid. Such great, interesting, and very important facts, indeed. But, do we need to study water to know it ?
That’s why, with all due respect to science, in most cases, my brain leans toward thinking literarily, and in most cases, I let it take the full reign.
So, to literarily answer the question, I’d say: water is the soul of life. It’s the source of life. It’s pure, clear, and holy. It’s sweet, salty, and unique. It’s up there in the sky, lies deep underground, and flows between the mountains.
Nothing quenches your thirst like water. Nothing cleanses your body like water. And, nothing purifies your heart like genuine tears, which, too, are water.
Water gives and takes, destroys and builds, heals and wounds.
It’s so powerful, yet so gentle.
It’s part of our creation, every creature’s creation.
Isn’t it miraculous? Far more wondrous than the Seven Wonders of the World?
Ironically, a Bedouin in the desert, a farmer in the village, and even an animal in the woods appreciate this divine blessing more than students in a science class.
And here’s a beautiful quote by Rumi that says: “Perform your ablution with love, for a prayer with a spiteful heart is not permissible.” (My translation). A spiteful heart is the only thing water cannot cleanse, because it is unreachable, untouchable. It’s only when that spiteful heart discovers love that water can reach and cleanse it, fully preparing it for the sacred prayer.
With hope and peace,
Nahla
Pure and Simple 