Water is a blessing from Allah (swt) that we often take for granted. Giving water is a highly recommended action in Islam, and its rewards are multiplied even further during this blessed month. 

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!

 ‘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.

You can build a hand pump or 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]

We often remember our loved ones who have passed away, and many of us want to give Sadaqah Jariyah in their name during. 

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.