Why Giving Water Is the Best Sadaqah Jariyah

We learn two important things from this hadith; the first is that we are encouraged to give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of a deceased loved one, the second is that the best form of Sadaqah Jariyah we can give is water.  

Here are some reasons why water is the best charity: 

1. Water is Fundamental to Life 

Water is one of the most important substances on Earth. Laced throughout the Quran are countless ayahs where Allah (SWT) emphasises how He sent water down to Earth for the creation and maintenance of life on Earth. In the Quran Allah (SWT) says: 

Today science has proven that water was essential in the formation of the solar system and that the Earth is the only planet known to have stable bodies of water on its surface and is therefore the only planet able to support life. 

“And we made every living thing of water” (Quran 21:30). 

Water is an essential component to human, animal and plant life. It makes up 60% of the human body circulating through the body to facilitate nearly all bodily systems essential for survival including, regulating temperature, absorbing nutrients as well as excreting waste. We simply would not exist without it. 

2. Water is a Blessing from Allah (swt)

 Allah (SWT) describes water as a gift from the heavens to support the sustenance of human life.  

Water is essential in sustaining the ecosystem; water transports the nutrients in the soil up through the roots of the plants helping them grow. Animals then feed on the crops and in turn other animals feed on those animals creating a whole ecosystem supported by water. Without water the land would be barren, and all life would cease to exist. 

3. Water Purifies the Body and Soul  

The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Cleanliness is half of Iman (faith).” (Muslim & Bukhari). 

Water is an important element of spiritual purity. Performing wudu and ghusl is an essential pre-requisite to performing prayer and failure to do so negates the prayer.  

Wudu and ghusl wash away the believer’s sins. The Prophet (SAWS) said:  “When a Muslim or a believer washes his face (in the course of Wudu’) every sin he has committed with his eyes is washed away from his face along with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought is erased from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin towards which his feet walked is washed away with water, or with the last drop of water, with the result that he comes out cleansed of all sins” (Sahih Muslim) 

4. Giving Water Earns Allah’s (swt) Mercy 

The Prophet (SAWS), said, “A prostitute had once been forgiven. She passed by a dog panting near a well. Thirst had nearly killed him, so she took off her sock, tied it to her veil, and drew up some water. Allah forgave her for that.”  

This hadith teaches us that a simple act of kindness such as giving water can be our salvation on the Day of Judgment. 

5. Giving Water Benefits Future Generations 

When the early Muslim’s migrated from Mecca to Medina, there was a severe water shortage. There was only one sweet water well known as ‘The Well of Rauma’, owned by a Jew who charged astronomical prices for water. The Prophet (SAWS) promised paradise to whoever bought the well and dedicated it to the believers. After many negotiations with the owner, Uthman Ibn Affan (R.A) bought the well for a hefty price of 35,000 dirhams and made the water free for all Muslims.  

The well continues to pump water till this day, over 1400 years later. Due to the abundance of water the surrounding area has become fertile and developed into a farm of over 1550 palm trees producing the highest quality dates. The profits  produced by the well are still intact till this day in a bank account in Medina in the name of Sayedina Uthman Ibn Affan (R.A). The Saudi government have decided to build a hotel with this money, expected to yield an annual return of 50 million Saudi Riyals, and are planning to spend half the profits on the poor and depositing the remaining half bank in the account. All of this is possible due to Uthman Ibn Affan’s (R.A) initial Sadaqah Jariyah investment in the well of Rauma. This story is a great example that shows how far an investment in water can go to benefit society far into the future, Ma Sha Allah. 

6. There is a Critical Need to Give Water

Today 785 million people worldwide do not have access to clean water. An estimated 842,000 people die each year from diarrhoea due to unsafe drinking water and every minute a new-born dies from infection caused by lack of safe water.  

Lack of clean water is not only one of the leading causes of death and disease around the world it is also the reason why many people are trapped in poverty. Women and children spend 200 million hours a year collecting water, this is a colossal waste of time and a missed opportunity for work and study, this keeps them locked in a cycle of poverty unable to earn and save for a brighter future. 

How Can You Help? 

Put the Prophetic teaching into practice and give water to a needy community.  You can serve a whole community of 200 people by gifting a Dig-a-Well. This provides access to clean water for drinking, washing and cooking, as well as keeping livestock hydrated. A gift so vital could really save an entire community and help it to thrive for many years to come, giving you all the rewards. 

Baab As-Sadaqah is one of the 8 gates of Jannah. This door only allows those believers to enter who were charitable and gave Sadaqah in the way of Allah, whether to their parents, orphans, widows, the sick and the needy. Giving Sadaqah gives you the virtue of entering paradise through this gate. 

“But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups until, when they reach it while its gates have been opened and its keepers say, “Peace be upon you; you have become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein,” (Quran 39:73) 

6. Sadaqah Will be your Shade on the Day of Judgement 

On a day which will last 50,000 years, where the sun will be right above the heads, we will all be hoping to be one of the seven to be under Allah (SWT) shade on Judgment Day. The person who gives hidden charity is one of the seven. 

The Prophet (saw) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Tirmidhi) 

7. Sadaqah Purifies the Nafs 

Our purpose in life is to strive in the way of Allah through worship and good deeds to attain righteousness, and one cannot attain righteousness without spending for the sake of Allah. Our wealth is a test from Allah and can even be a burden, we are accountable for how we spend it. We must spend on charity to extinguish worldly desires and attain the reward of the Hereafter  

“By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love. And whatever you spend; indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Al Imraan 3:92) 

8. Sadaqah is a Means of Acceptance of Du'a 

A Muslim can ask Allah to accept their dua by virtue of their good deeds, including the Sadaqah they give. An example of this is the sahih hadith narrated in Muslim and Bukhari, about the three people who entered a cave, and a rock fell and blocked their way out. They asked Allah by the virtue of their best deeds to save them. 

9. Sadaqah Brings Balance to the Society and Benefits the Community

Giving Sadaqah to the orphans, widows, sick and needy ensures we live in a much fairer society by sharing the wealth. Sadaqah does not only mean giving money but it can be any act of kindness. The Prophet said: “Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity” (Bukhari). Sadaqah is about benefiting the whole community and looking after the vulnerable to better society. 

10. Sadaqah is a Way to Earn Rewards after Death

By giving Sadaqah Jariyah, you can invest in the hereafter for yourself or for your loved ones by earning continuous rewards. The Prophet (saw) said: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” 

An example of this would be to build a water well so every time it is used, rewards are earned. 

Donate 

Here are ways you can help