ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Use of Natural Resources and Mahdism Doctrine Are Natural Resources Scarce? The answer to this question is 'No' if considered in the divine sense. That is, the resources are created according to all the needs of human beings as well all other creatures. However, if these are not used as ordained or if distributed unjustly, theses may appear to be deficient.

It is now consensually recognized that the human population is growing at an exponential rate (a J-shape curve), therefore, within a few centuries the earth shall be full by human beings. In 2000, the world population was 6.2 billion. The UN estimates show that by 2050, a 3 billion people will be added. This raises big question; does the earth has that much carrying capacity? Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Data Base.

Some social and other scientists think that carrying capacity is not enough to host so much people on earth. There is another category of scholars (for example, see Julian Simon) who believe that more people will provide more innovative skills for larger global outputs.

Cohen (1995) suggests three possible solutions: Increase human productive capacities through technology and innovation Reduce numbers and expectations of people through such means as family planning and vegetarian diets Change the terms of people's interactions through improved planning and government to enhance social justice. This was however, a contemporary view.

In religious resources, particularly those relating to Mahdism doctrine, a number of signs (problems, disasters etc) have been predicted that will appear before the appearance of the Imam or second coming of Jesus. It can also be found from the religious literature that at least some of these problems can be solved by promoting the prescribed supplications and other acts.

For the purpose of explanation, we take the example of water crises or water stress predicted to happen before the appearance of Imam Mahdi (May God Hasten his appearance). Water Crisis Water crisis is one of the most alarming concerns mentioned both in contemporary sciences and in Mahdvi literature. It indicates a time when available water on earth will not be sufficient to fulfill the life needs on earth.

'The Earth has a finite supply of fresh water, stored in aquifers, surface waters and the atmosphere'.