The Sacredness of Water: A Cross-Cultural Review of Spiritual Ecology in Indigenous and Islamic Traditions

Abstract

Water is the primordial element of life, yet it is increasingly treated as a mere commodity in the modern industrial age. This research provides a cross-cultural review of "Spiritual Ecology," comparing Indigenous environmental wisdom with Islamic eco-theology regarding the sacredness of water. Utilizing literature from 2021–2026, the study examines how Indigenous concepts of "Water as a Relative" and the Islamic principle of Amana (trusteeship) provide ethical frameworks for water conservation. The review analyzes rituals, legal structures, and metaphysical beliefs that prevent water exploitation. Findings suggest that both traditions view water as a sentient or divinely-endowed entity that requires moral stewardship. The study concludes that integrating these spiritual ecological perspectives into modern water management policies is essential for achieving long-term hydrological sustainability and climate resilience.