The Rewards of Giving Water in Islam: Seven Reasons to Build a Well
Water is a blessing from Allah (swt) that we often take for granted, but during Ramadan, through the mercy of Allah, we become more conscious of the difficulties faced by those without access to safe water. Giving water is a highly recommended action in Islam, and its rewards are multiplied even further during this blessed month. Here are seven reasons why you should spend your Sadaqah and Zakat on water - before Ramadan is over!
It brings you closer to Allah
This powerful language shows that those who don’t give water are missing out on an amazing opportunity to draw closer to Allah by taking care of His servants - and Allah will question them about this on the Day of Judgement. From bringing a guest something to drink to building a well in a deprived area, anyone who gives water for the sake of Allah will surely find their reward with Him.
It saves lives
With 842,000 people dying from diarrhoea alone each year, unsafe water is the single biggest obstacle to the health of communities in the developing world. Small children are especially vulnerable to cholera and diarrheal illnesses, and unsafe water compromises their immune systems as well, making it difficult for them to fight any illness.
The gift of water saves lives, which is a hugely rewardable action. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘And whoever saves one [a life] - it is as if he had saved all of mankind’. (Qur’an, 5:32) Imagine this - every single time the clean water you donated saves someone’s life, it is as if you have saved all of mankind!
It is ‘the best charity’
'The Messenger of Allah (saw) was asked, "Which charity is best?" He replied, "[Providing] water"'. [Abu Dawud]
We use water for everything, from washing dishes to cooking food to growing crops. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘By means of water, we give life to everything’. (Qur’an, 21:30) Communities who don’t have access to clean water face unimaginable hardships, with women and children walking for hours to collect even a little water, and families unable to support themselves due to lack of education and livelihood. Having access to safe water is a basic human right and fulfilling this right is an excellent Sadaqah.
Give how much you can – Allah will reward you
Not all of us are able to build wells for entire communities – but don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the rewards! Reward is based on the sincerity of our intention, and even giving a single glass of water carries immense rewards if it’s all you can give.
Even if ‘what remains in your bucket’ doesn’t seem like a lot, by donating to our Water Fund, this money can go towards building wells or other water projects, ultimately benefiting thousands of people. Every donation matters, because it all adds up!
It leads to forgiveness for your sins
Allah's Messenger (saw) said, ‘A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that’. [Bukhari]
This hadith shows that even giving water to an animal is immensely beneficial. When you build a well, it not only benefits a deprived community, it also benefits their livestock, and every time anyone drinks from that well, Allah may forgive your sins.
You can build a well in someone else’s name
On the authority of Sa‘d bin ‘Ubadah that he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Umm (mother of) Sa‘d has died, so which charity is best?’ He (saw) replied, ‘[Providing] water’. He (ra) said, ‘So [Sa’d] dug a well and said, “This (well) is for Umm Sa‘d”’. [Abu Dawud]
Ramadan is a time when we remember our loved ones who have passed away, and many of us want to give Sadaqah Jariyah in their name during this blessed month. In the above hadith, the Prophet (saw) recommended water as the best charity to give in someone’s name. Every time someone breaks their fast using this water; every time someone wears the clothes washed with that water; every time someone eats a vegetable grown from that water - both of you will be rewarded for that.
It is the ultimate Sadaqah Jariyah
The gift of water can often bring communities back to life through the ultimate Sadaqah Jariyah chain reaction. Clean water leads to healthy livestock, healthy people, more children in school, more women in jobs, improved agriculture and sustainable livelihoods. By building a well in a deprived community, you will get the reward for every single one of these things, in sha Allah.
Muslim Hands is an award-winning charity, established in 1993 to provide emergency relief and tackle the root causes of poverty. Visit this page to provide clean water today.
