Water Charity in Islam

Water is a fundamental component of agriculture and life itself. Islam teaches its followers to regard the provision of water as one of the most virtuous forms of charity. Water is a source of life essential to all living beings, regardless of religion, ethnicity, social status, or species. Consequently, providing others with access to water is viewed as an act of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity)—a deed whose spiritual rewards continue to accrue as long as the benefit endures.

One of the most renowned stories regarding water charity is that of the Well of Raumah (Bi'ru Rumah) in Medina. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), sources of fresh water in Medina were scarce. One of the finest wells was owned by a Jewish man who sold the water to the local population at a high price. This situation placed a burden on the Muslim community, who were living in economic hardship at the time.

When this issue was brought to the attention of the Prophet (PBUH), he declared:

"Whoever purchases the Well of Raumah and dedicates it to the benefit of the Muslims shall be granted Paradise." (Narrated by Tirmidzi)

Upon hearing this call, Uthman bin Affan (RA) immediately approached the well's owner. After some negotiation, the owner agreed to sell only half of the ownership rights for 12,000 dirhams. The agreement stipulated that the well would belong to Uthman on alternate days, while the Jewish owner would retain rights to it on the intervening days.

On the days the well was under Uthman’s management, the Muslims would collect enough water to last for several days. Consequently, they no longer needed to purchase water from the Jewish owner on the days it belonged to him. Seeing his business suffer losses, the owner eventually agreed to sell the entire well to Uthman bin Affan (RA). After the purchase, Uthman immediately designated the well as a waqf (endowment) for the public good, allowing the entire community to access water for free whenever they needed it. This story is an example that donating water is not just about giving a drink for a moment, but also building systems and facilities that guarantee the availability of water for the community in the long term. Therefore, the construction of wells, reservoirs, irrigation networks, rainwater reservoirs, clean water channels, and public drinking water facilities can be seen as a form of water charity which is highly recommended in Islam.

The priority of water alms is also emphasized in a hadith when Sa'ad bin Ubadah RA asked Rasulullah SAW about the best alms for his mother who had died. Rasulullah answered: "The most important charity is providing water." (HR. Abu Dawud)

This hadith shows that helping to provide clean water for the community is one of the most important charities in the sight of Allah SWT.

Islam also teaches that love through giving water is not only directed at humans, but also at all living creatures. Rasulullah SAW told the story of a man who was walking on a long journey. He felt very thirsty, so he found a well and went down to drink. After his thirst was quenched, he came out of the well and saw a dog sticking out its tongue and licking the wet ground because it was thirsty.

The man said in his heart, "This dog feels as thirsty as I felt earlier." He went back down into the well, filled his two shoes with water, bit them with his mouth so they could climb up, then gave the water to the dog. Because of his actions, Allah SWT was pleased with him and forgave his sins.

The companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, do we also get a reward for doing good to animals?" Rasulullah answered: "In every creature that has a wet heart (living creatures), there is a reward." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This story teaches that the act of giving water as charity is a tangible expression of mercy and care for all of Allah’s creation. Even a thirsty animal can be the means by which a person attains forgiveness from Allah SWT.

From a broader perspective, the charity of providing water also conveys an important message regarding natural resource management. Protecting springs, preserving rivers, preventing pollution, conserving water, improving irrigation systems, and ensuring equitable access to water for the community are all part of the human mandate as stewards (khalifah) on earth. Thus, this form of charity is not merely about providing water to those in need; it also entails safeguarding the sustainability of water sources so that they may continue to benefit both present and future generations.

Consequently, every drop of water provided to humans, animals, or plants can become an act of worship. As long as that water continues to provide benefit, the spiritual reward continues to flow to the person who provided it. This is a form of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity)—simple in nature, yet possessing immense and long-lasting benefits within the Islamic worldview.