This Ramadan, Give the Gift of Water
One of the most common questions that non-Muslims ask during Ramadan is, “Can you drink water while fasting?”
Staying hydrated during this month can be challenging, but it also offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on those who don't have access to clean water to break their fast. Ramadan reminds us of the ease with which many of us access water—whether through sink faucets, refrigerators with dispensers, or even bottled water from the store. Many of us, take water for granted.
Billions of people in developing countries struggle daily without access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. The lack of clean water heightens the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever. Water is not only essential for human survival but also for thriving ecosystems, stable economies, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. According to the United Nations, 2.2 billion people worldwide live without access to clean water, while 3.5 billion people lack hygienic sanitation.
March 22 marks World Water Day, a day dedicated to advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and addressing the challenges of water accessibility. It’s a reminder that water and the climate crisis are intertwined, and the impact of water scarcity extends far beyond human needs—it affects food production, geopolitics, economic development, and impacts marginalized communities, pushing them further into poverty.
At Muslim Hands, addressing the global water crisis is a top priority. We’ve provided tens of thousands of people in countries like Mali, Niger, Pakistan, and Yemen with access to clean drinking water. Our global teams are on the ground, identifying communities that are struggling with water scarcity and building sustainable solutions. We offer three types of water wells:
- Tube Wells ($390): Manually operated, these wells lift water from up to 30 meters below the surface and serve around four families. Typically located near clusters of homes, Tube Wells provide clean water for drinking and sanitation.
- Dig-a-Wells ($1,200): Drawing water from depths of up to 40 meters, these wells are ideal for agricultural communities. Serving around 35 families, Dig-a-Wells provide year-round access to water and are often situated in communal spaces like schools or mosques.
- Community Wells ($5,000): Larger in scale, these wells draw water from ten meters or more beneath the surface and can serve up to 1,000 people. Community Wells are especially beneficial in arid areas, where water is scarce, providing sustenance for families, livestock, and crops.
When you donate a water well, you will receive personalized feedback, allowing you to see the impact of your generosity, along with a plaque on the well honoring your gift.
You can also contribute to our Safe Water Fund, which provides clean water to both small and large communities.
In Yemen, Muslim Hands has been working with vulnerable communities in areas like Lahj, Ta’iz, Aden, and Abyan. We’ve built deep water wells and advocated for over 20.5 million Yemenis who lack access to safe water and sanitation. The Yemen Water Fund has been a lifeline for many, transforming lives by providing sustainable access to clean water.
For those interested in larger-scale projects like boreholes or reverse osmosis water filtration plants, we offer these through our Major Giving Program. To learn more, email majorgiving@muslimhands.ca.
Ramadan is a month when rewards and blessings are multiplied, making it the perfect time to give. By donating water, you’re not just alleviating suffering—you’re contributing to a resource that will change lives for generations. A verse from the Quran reads:
"And We created from water every living thing."
Surah Al-Anbiya 21:30
Water is essential to life and is one of the most vital components of the human body. As the Quran reminds us, all life is created through water - this encompasses everything from plants and trees that provide oxygen to the animals that sustain our ecosystems.
This Ramadan, consider giving the Gift of Water. It’s an investment in both this world and the hereafter, a legacy that will continue to bless you long after you give.
