Majestic Sources of life

'A water attendant is to be appointed to raise water from the cistern to its storage at the sabil, and to offer it daily to passers-by.' Waqf Deed, Al-Ghuri Mosque complex, Cairo, 1516 CE 

The provision of water, truly a source of life, is a religious obligation and an essential function of the mosque. Throughout history, Muslim societies have worked on maintaining regular and sufficient water supply outside

mosques for refreshment. This basic availability of water necessitated the manufacture of fountains known as sabils — meaning "road" or "path"— and appropriate containers and systems for distribution. For example, this water dispenser shown here, comprising of a stone water jar (kilga) and stand was probably situated on the street outside of a mosque to generously provide precious drinking water for travelers and to assist in the ritual purification (ablutions) before prayers.

Written by Idries Trevathan, Curator of Islamic Art at Ithra.