The Power of Allāh in Creating Sweet and Salty Seas: A Qur’anic Perspective

The Divine Wisdom Behind Sweet and Salty Waters: A Sign of Allāh’s Perfect Power

Allāh’s creation reflects His absolute power, infinite wisdom, and boundless mercy. One of the most striking manifestations of His creative power is the creation of various things and pairs of opposites. In everything around us—whether in the natural world, human existence, or the cosmic order—there is a balance and contrast that serve as signs for those who reflect. One of these contrasts is beautifully described in the Qur’an regarding the two types of water: sweet and salty.

The Two Seas: A Sign of Allāh’s Creative Power

Allāh says:

“And it is He Who has let free the two seas: this one palatable and sweet, and that one salty and bitter.”
(Surah Al-Furqān, 25:53)

This verse refers to the distinct characteristics of sweet and salty water, highlighting Allāh’s ability to create diverse phenomena that coexist in harmony, yet remain separate in their nature and purpose.

1. The Sweet and Palatable Water

Allāh created sweet water, which is essential for life. It flows through rivers, springs, and wells, providing sustenance to human beings, animals, and plants. Sweet water is a divine blessing distributed throughout the earth according to the needs of its inhabitants.

Ibn Jarir and Ibn Jurayj, prominent Islamic scholars, interpret this verse as referring to fresh water sources such as rivers, streams, and underground wells. This sweet water is drinkable, palatable, and vital for all forms of life.

Allāh says:

“And We have sent down from the sky water in measure and settled it in the earth, and We are certainly able to take it away.”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:18)

This verse reminds us that the sweet water we use daily is not something to be taken for granted. It is a blessing from Allāh, precisely measured and distributed to sustain life on earth. Without it, life would cease to exist.

2. The Salty and Bitter Water

In contrast to sweet water, Allāh has also created salty and bitter water. The oceans and seas, vast and expansive, contain water that is undrinkable due to its high salt content. Allāh, in His wisdom, has designed the seas and oceans to serve different purposes from rivers and springs.

“… and that is salty and bitter.”
(Surah Al-Furqān, 25:53)

The salty water serves numerous essential functions in maintaining the ecological balance of the planet:

• Preserving the Earth’s Environment: The salt in seawater acts as a natural preservative, preventing the water from becoming putrid and keeping the surrounding air fresh and breathable.
• Supporting Marine Life: Oceans and seas are home to a diverse array of marine life, which thrives in the salty environment.
• Facilitating Transportation and Trade: The vast expanse of the oceans allows for global travel and commerce, connecting different nations and cultures.

Why Are the Seas Salty?

The salinity of the oceans is not a random occurrence but a deliberate act of divine wisdom. Allāh has made the seas salty to prevent the water from becoming stagnant and putrid. If the water of the seas were fresh, it would quickly become contaminated with the decay of marine organisms, making it unsuitable for life and harmful to the environment.

The salty nature of the seas also ensures that their air remains healthy and pure. In addition, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) highlighted another significant benefit of seawater: its purity and the permissibility of consuming its dead animals.

The Purity of Seawater and Its Marine Life

When the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was asked whether seawater could be used for purification (wudu’), he replied:

“Its water is pure and its dead (animals) are lawful.”
(Recorded by Malik, Ash-Shafi’i, Ahmad, and the scholars of Sunan)

This hadith emphasizes two key aspects:

1. The Purity of Seawater: Seawater can be used for ritual purification, making it a valuable resource for those traveling by sea or living in coastal regions.
2. The Permissibility of Marine Life: Marine animals that die naturally in the sea are considered lawful (halal) for consumption, making the ocean a significant source of sustenance.

The Balance Between the Two Seas

Although sweet and salty waters often exist close to each other, such as where rivers meet the sea, they do not mix entirely. Allāh, in His infinite wisdom, has placed an invisible barrier between them:

“He has set free the two seas meeting together. Between them is a barrier which they do not transgress.”
(Surah Ar-Rahman, 55:19-20)

This phenomenon, known as halocline in scientific terms, is another sign of Allāh’s perfect power. Despite their proximity, the two bodies of water retain their distinct characteristics, a testament to the divine order in creation.

Lessons from the Creation of Sweet and Salty Waters

The creation of sweet and salty waters teaches us several important lessons:

1. The Power of Allāh: The ability to create such contrasting elements—fresh and salty water—demonstrates the absolute power of Allāh over all creation.
2. The Wisdom of Allāh: Each type of water serves a specific purpose, contributing to the balance and sustainability of life on earth.
3. Gratitude to Allāh: Recognizing the blessings of sweet water and the ecological role of salty water should lead us to thank Allāh and use these resources responsibly.
4. Reflection and Contemplation: The natural world is filled with signs that point to the existence and greatness of Allāh. Reflecting on these signs strengthens our faith and deepens our understanding of His attributes.

Conclusion

The creation of sweet and salty waters is a profound example of Allāh’s perfect power, wisdom, and mercy. Through these contrasting yet complementary elements, He sustains life, maintains ecological balance, and provides for His creation.

As believers, we are encouraged to reflect on these signs, recognize the blessings bestowed upon us, and express our gratitude to Allāh through worship, obedience, and responsible stewardship of the earth’s resources.

May Allāh guide us to appreciate His creation, recognize His signs, and draw closer to Him through contemplation and gratitude. Ameen.