One Ummah News - 3 Feb 2025
Millions around the world worldwide are deprived of life’s most basic necessities. 2 billion people have no access to safely managed water, resulting in over 3.5 million deaths every year. They suffer from water scarcity, drought, pollution and disease. They trek for miles, risking their lives and compromising their dignity to obtain some of the dirtiest water on Earth.
Water is a blessing from Allahﷻ. He created water as a source of life, purification, and sustenance for all His creations.
He says in the Qur’an: “And We have made from water every living thing.” (21:30). Similarly, even the Messenger of Allahﷺ told us that water is also a means of charity and reward in Islam: “The best charity is giving water to drink.” (Ahmad).
However, millions around the world worldwide are deprived of life’s most basic necessities. 2 billion people have no access to safely managed water, resulting in over 3.5 million deaths every year. They suffer from water scarcity, drought, pollution and disease. They trek for miles, risking their lives and compromising their dignity to obtain some of the dirtiest water on Earth. They’re forced to use that same water for drinking, washing, cooking, farming, and praying.
What would you do if your tap started running brown water? Would you still drink it? Would you wash, cook and pray? Our dear brothers and sisters, this is the reality for 2.2 BILLION PEOPLE.
For instance, approximately 30% of Earth’s population lacks access to safe drinking water. This is backed by a UNICEF and World Health Organisation joint report. This statistic includes those who rely on untreated surface water, contaminated sources or travel long distances.
As a result, rural areas are disproportionately affected, with 8 out of 10 people lacking essential drinking water in these regions. Over 80% of people without basic water services live in rural areas. Every year, 1.5 million people die from diarrhoeal diseases caused by unsafe water and poor hygiene. 45% of Pakistan lacks access to safely managed drinking water. 80% of Niger lacks access to safely managed drinking water. 75% of Yemen lacks access to safely managed drinking water.
These statistics are the stark reality for the less fortunate, and current conflict and calamities only worsen this situation in some areas. This is a global crisis that requires urgent humanitarian action. As Muslims, we have a duty to help our brothers and sisters in need by sharing the blessings Allahﷻ bestowed upon us.
“The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to the people.” (Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat)
WATER WELLS: One of the best ways to give water in the way of Allahﷻ is to donate a water well or contribute to a water well project. A water well is a long-lasting source of clean water that can serve many people for many years. A water well is also a means of Sadaqah Jariyah - a beautiful continuous charity that will benefit you even after you pass away.
“Whoever digs a well will receive reward for that from Allah on the Day of Resurrection when anyone amongst jinn, men and birds drink from it.” – [Bukhari and Muslim]
WATER PUMPS: Another way to provide a clean water source is through water pump projects. A water pump is a device that draws water from a source and delivers it to a destination. They can provide clean water to households, schools, farms, communities, and Masajid. It is a great source of sustenance and livelihood for the people who use it and is also a form of Sadaqah Jariyah.
Donating to water projects such as water wells and water pumps can provide clean water to countless needy people. We can save lives, prevent diseases, improve education, and empower communities.
“The best of what a man leaves behind are three: a righteous child who supplicates for him, an ongoing charity whose reward continues to reach him, and knowledge that is acted upon after his death.” – [Ibn Majah]
One Ummah strives to ensure that communities worldwide have a clean and reliable water source, not only in the short term but for as long as possible.
With your support, One Ummah has provided access to clean water for millions of people worldwide. Last year, over 130,000 needy beneficiaries were given the gift of clean water. 165 bore wells were built, as well as 391 hand pumps. We will continue to follow the example set by Prophet Muhammadﷺ by combating water scarcity to alleviate suffering and poverty.
We urge you to give the best form of charity this Ramadan – water. Because regardless of the amount, every Drop of Mercy counts. You can also donate water for yourself and your family and make it a means of Sadaqah Jariyah for them in this life and the next.
“The best form of charity is to give someone water.” – [Ibn Majah].
Remember, water is life – a gift from the Most-Compassionate – and giving water is a noble deed in Islam. Don’t miss this opportunity to quench the thirst of the needy and earn endless rewards and blessings. Indeed, your donation is a means of survival for so many Muslims. In doing so, this month becomes your chance to make a real difference.
We wish everyone the most blessed month of Ramadan. May Allahﷻ accept your deeds and make them a source of goodness for you and for those who receive them. Ameen.
Jazakum Allah Khayr.