About Wad Jamal

The village Wad Jamal is located in the Tagant region which is from among the most remote areas in Mauritania. It is located roughly 400 kilometers away from the capital, Nouakchott. Unfortunately, due to extreme heat and arid conditions, the villagers constantly face drought and famine. The village is located about two hours away from the highway; daily supplies are trucked in. 

 58-second Video introducing Wad Jamal

Villagers attempt to sustain themselves by means of livestock and grain, but it turns out to be not enough, since the livestock is too few and the grain quality is poor. Fortunately, and with support from past donations, Wad Jamal regularly receives bags of grain and fresh meat. However, the water situation is lamentable. It is a common sight in the desert villages of Mauritania that well reserves evaporate due to the scorching saharan heat. Other times, the water is readily present, but it is non-potable due to the absence of filierization, and the high amounts of nitrogen present. In fact, it is common to find villagers turning away from their local well because they know the chemical dangers of it.

Finding a Suitable Location for the Well

Seeing that the location of the well is of due importance, we set out with a professional geographer to scout the area for a potential location. The process was fascinating.

The Virtue of Water as Charity

Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, my mother has died. Shall I give charity on her behalf?” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Yes.” I said, “Which charity is best?” The Prophet ﷺ said, “A drink of water.

As such, Muhammad Mawlud, the great Mauritanian scholar who authored several books and treatises such as Purification of the Heart, Prohibitions of the Tongue, and al-Kaffaf, mentioned in his book The Etiquette of Spending  that: "Nothing of which the reward is gifted to the deceased is greater than the reward of charity. And if you want to know the best charity, then water is the best thing given in charity.”

Out of necessity and urgency for water, the villagers attempted to dig a well on their own; it did not work out. Because of the lack of knowledge, the villagers were not able to survey the land adequately nor did they have the right tools and appliances to dig with. The result was this hazardous hole.

Funds and Plans

We are seeking $35,000 for the Village of Wad Jamal. Ultimately, the well will serve as the main provider of water for villagers, livestock, and agriculture. This is no surprise, however; Mauritania is known to be among the poorest countries in Africa and the economical effect of COVID-19 has only worsened the situation. Prices of goods have doubled, businesses have gone bankrupt. With appropriate funding, we are able to buy supplies, and dig a 100-meter-deep well , complete with the necessary plumbing and electricity for ease of transport.