In Islam, the concept of charity extends far beyond a one-time act of giving. We are taught about Sadaqah Jariyah – a beautiful form of ongoing, continuous charity whose rewards benefit both the recipient in this life and the giver long after they have departed from this world. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, multiplying blessings endlessly.
One of the most powerful and highly recommended forms of Sadaqah Jariyah is providing access to clean water. Why? Because water is the very essence of life. When you provide a community with a water hand pump, you are not just quenching thirst for a day; you are planting a seed of life, health, and opportunity that continues to bear fruit for years to come.
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained this concept clearly:
“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), or knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim)
Sadaqah Jariyah refers to charitable acts that have a lasting, positive impact. While a simple meal feeds someone for a day (a vital act of Sadaqah), a continuous charity creates benefits that ripple outwards indefinitely. Examples include building a mosque, contributing to beneficial knowledge (like books or schools), or, crucially, providing a sustainable source of clean water.
Why Water is Among the Best Forms of Sadaqah Jariyah
Water is fundamental to existence. Without it, communities cannot survive, let alone thrive. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was once asked, “Which charity is best?” He replied, “[Providing] water.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1681; graded Hasan).
When you donate a water hand pump through Children of Adam, consider the continuous chain of benefits you set in motion:
- Life and Health: Clean water prevents deadly waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, saving lives and reducing suffering, especially among vulnerable children. Every drop drawn provides health and well-being.
- Easing Burdens: In many communities, women and girls spend hours each day walking long distances to fetch often contaminated water. A local pump frees up their time, allowing girls to attend school and women to engage in income-generating activities or care for their families.
- Supporting Livelihoods: Water isn’t just for drinking; it’s needed for cooking, cleaning, hygiene, watering livestock, and irrigating small gardens, contributing to food security and economic stability.
- Enabling Worship: Access to clean water facilitates Wudu (ablution), enabling individuals to perform their prayers with ease and dignity.
Every time someone drinks from the pump, waters their crops, performs Wudu, or avoids illness because of the clean water, the rewards flow back to the person who donated it. This is Sadaqah Jariyah in its purest form.
A Gift for Your Loved Ones, Even After They're Gone
The beauty of Sadaqah Jariyah extends even further. You can donate a water hand pump in the name of a loved one who has passed away.
Children of Adam allows you to place a plaque with a chosen name on the water pump, creating a lasting physical reminder of this beautiful act of charity done in their honour. Every benefit derived from that water source becomes a prayer and a source of blessings for them.
The Continuous Flow of Blessings
Donating a water hand pump is more than just charity; it’s an investment in life, health, community, and faith. It embodies the essence of Sadaqah Jariyah – a flowing stream of goodness that benefits recipients endlessly and provides the donor with continuous rewards, both in this life and the next.
Imagine the countless prayers, the healthy children, the educated girls, the sustained families – all stemming from one source of clean water. This is the profound legacy your donation can create.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing or continuous charity in Islam. Unlike a one-off donation, its benefits persist over time, generating continuous rewards for the giver even after their death.
A water hand pump provides a sustainable source of clean water for years, offering continuous benefits like improved health, saved time, and support for livelihoods and worship. These ongoing benefits translate into ongoing rewards for the donor.
Yes, you can dedicate a water hand pump in the name of a living person or someone who has passed away. This act serves as Sadaqah Jariyah for them, bringing them continuous rewards. Children of Adam can place a plaque with the dedicated name on the pump.
With proper community maintenance (which Children of Adam helps facilitate), a hand pump can last for many years, providing benefits long after the initial installation.
Yes, donating a water hand pump can be Zakat-eligible if the recipients (those benefiting from the water) meet the criteria for receiving Zakat and the donation fulfils their essential need for clean water. Select “Zakat” during donation if this is your intention.
Plant a Seed of Continuous Reward Today
Provide the gift of life-giving water and establish a beautiful Sadaqah Jariyah for yourself or a loved one. Your contribution towards a water hand pump will create ripples of positive change that last for generations, bringing you blessings that never cease.
Donate a Water Hand Pump through Children of Adam today and witness the powerful impact of a charity that flows continuously.
