Rewards of Giving Water in Islam

Water is important for life, and giving water holds a special place in Islam. This is the reason why Prophet Muḥammad صلى الله عليه وسلم praised this simple and impactful act on numerous occasions.

This act is not just socially meaningful, it’s deeply spiritual. It shows mercy, compassion, and the intention to ease the suffering of others. 

Well, for Muslims, donating water – such as supporting clean water projects or funding a well—is a form of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity), where the reward continues to flow for as long as the water benefits others. 

Therefore, this article is all about shedding light on the rewards you get by just giving water in Islam.

You will discover why every pair of Muslim hands can – and should – participate in this meaningful act and how simply offering a cup or building a well can transform the lives of people.

Grasping the Act

Imagine it’s the month of June and you’re at Mina. You see a pilgrim, weary from the heat, tottering in search of relief. You hand them a simple cup of cool water.

This is the moment when you’ve not only quenched their thirst but refreshed their soul too. That is the impact of giving water.

Every drop matters. Whether you give a small bottle during Eid festivities, iftar time in Ramadan, or simply leave a jug outside your home in April for a passerby, your thoughtfulness reflects the spirit of giving sadaqah.

This is an essential act and is as important as prayer itself. Let’s just look at why this act shines among other forms of charity.

• Firstly, it’s an essential gift, as water is the most basic need for life.
• Secondly, it has an instant impact. Relief comes with the first sip.
• Thirdly, it benefits everyone. Every person – child, elder, pilgrim.

Is Giving Water the Best Form of Sadaqah?

Indeed! Giving water is one of the best and easiest forms of sadaqah. Many people wonder if Zakat or giving money is better. Well, water is unique; it is an everyday need.

Though you may give clothes in January, or you may donate food in Ramadan – but water – everyone needs it, regardless of the month or season.

Thus, water stands among the highest forms of charity because it is timeless, easy to give, and holds numerous blessings. It doesn’t require any particular occasion or season – its need is constant, and its impact is immense – both physically and spiritually.

What Did the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم Say About Giving Water?

Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم has described the act of giving water as the best form of charity.

According to Hadith 3684, recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, it is narrated that Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah once asked the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, “O Messenger of Allah, what charity is best?” The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, “Giving water to drink.”

This hadith highlights that providing water to drink is a noble act. 

Seven Beautiful Rewards of Giving Water

Allah سبحانه وتعالى judges his servants on the basis of their intentions. Thus, in Islam, even a single drop of water given with sincere intention can shower you with countless blessings.

Below are seven rewards you can hope for when you give water. Think of each as a drop adding to the ocean of your reward.

Reward 1: Cooling of the Heart

Just like a gentle breeze softens the midsummer heat in August, giving water cools your heart and calms your soul, making your daily acts of worship more heartfelt.

Reward 2: Light on the Day of Judgement

In regard to this, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that those who give water will carry a light that will guide them through the darkness and lead them safely across the bridge referred to as Sirāt.

This is a beautiful reward from Allah سبحانه وتعالى.

Reward 3: Continuous Charity (Sadaqah Jariyah)

Since water is a basic and essential need for daily life, constructing or funding a well means people will draw water from it every day.

So, even when you are not there, your reward flows on just like water. This is the essence of sadaqah jariyah. You get continuous reward.

Reward 4: Protection from Hellfire.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى promises protection for those who care for the basic needs of others.

This means denying water can harm the giver as much as the one who is denied. So, by giving water, you are subscribing for a shield that will safeguard you on the Day of Judgment, when protections matter the most.

Reward 5: Increase in Wealth and Provision.

Giving sadaqah does not decrease your wealth. Rather, Allah سبحانه وتعالى multiplies it.

Have a look at a hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim and narrated by Abu Hurayrah. It says:

“Charity does not decrease wealth. No one forgives another except that Allah سبحانه وتعالى increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah سبحانه وتعالى except that Allah سبحانه وتعالى raises his status.”

Thus, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also assured us by saying, “Charity does not decrease wealth.” So, each time you donate water, whether a glass or sponsoring a fountain, you invite Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى blessing on you, eventually multiplying your rizq.

Reward 6: Blessing for Family and Loved Ones.

The reward of giving water becomes a family legacy. How? When you give water, your carers – parents, children, siblings – also receive a share of your reward.

Thus, your kind act with sincere intention blesses your loved ones and spreads barakah across generations.

Reward 7: Elevated Status in Paradise.

Giving water can be a road to paradise. Since this simple act carries immense blessings and elevates one’s status before Allah سبحانه وتعالى, it’s a ticket to enter paradise and elevated status in Jannah.

How can someone go unrewarded who holds compassion and mercy for the servants of Allah سبحانه وتعالى?

Practical Ways to Give Water

As we now know the rewards, here are some practical ways to turn your intention into action. 

• Bottled water donations: A handy way to give water at places and occasions, like community fairs, Eid gatherings, or sporting events.
• Seasonal jugs: Place jugs of water outside mosques or shops in hot summer months, like July or August.
• Water fountains: Install one at a place where the maximum number of people can benefit from it, like a mosque, school, or park.
• Well sponsorship: Partner with charities to build wells in Africa, Asia, or remote areas.

Regardless of budget or location, you can choose any approach, as all of them allow Muslim hands to contribute.

Why Muslims Need to Build a Well?

Among various approaches, building a well goes beyond a one-off act of kindness since it becomes a continuous blessing (sadaqah jariyah) that serves generations.

Imagine building it near pilgrimage routes in Makkah and Madinah. With countless people passing through these routes, a well can change how they travel on a daily basis.

So, by financing or constructing a well, a Muslim hand not only contributes to a social cause but also earns a perpetual reward from Allah سبحانه وتعالى.

Hadiths About Giving Water

Islamic texts contain many hadiths on providing drinking water. Two of the key narrations are:

“Whoever gives a Muslim water to drink when water is available, it is as if he freed a slave; and whoever gives water when it is scarce, it is as if he brought him back to life.”

This hadith, 2474, recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, is an excerpt from a longer hadith, narrated by Aishah (R.A.).

Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, there’s a hadith, reported by Abu Hurayrah (R.A.). It mentions that Allah سبحانه وتعالى will ask on the Day of Judgment, “O son of Adam, I asked you for water, but you did not give Me any.” The person will respond, “O Lord, how could I give You water when You are the Lord of the worlds?” Allah سبحانه وتعالى will say, “My servant so-and-so asked you for a drink, but you did not give him one. Did you not know that if you had given him a drink, you would have found its reward with Me?”

Therefore, giving water is an esteemed act that helps you earn Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى pleasure. It is a deed of immense virtue that elevates one’s status before Allah سبحانه وتعالى.

These words give us a reminder that serving water stands side-by-side with our core duties of prayer and fasting. They form part of Islam’s foundation, urging every believer to act with mercy.

Is It Haram to Deny Someone Water?

Yes. Denying water to a thirsty person is forbidden (haram) in Islam, and it counts as a serious sin.

Since Islam teaches us that cruelty toward basic needs is wrong, every Muslim carries a responsibility to care for others. We are carers on earth; thus our hands must reach out in mercy, not harm.

Even the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم warned against such behaviour. He emphasised that having empathy for others strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims.

Summary – Reward of Giving Water in Islam

In conclusion, let’s pause and ponder on the key lessons. 

Giving water is more than just a charitable act – it embodies compassion, mercy, and strong faith. Therefore, make sure you carry with you these key takeaways:

• Giving water is an essential and an effective act of sadaqah.
• The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم praised those who provide water to a thirsty.
• Allah promises rewards and blessings, including the elevated status in Paradise, to those who give water.
• Denying water is haram.

Giving water is a form of sadaqah, and the impact of it is real. Building a well or sharing a bottle – all count.

Whether it’s Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, or simply a normal day of a week, like Thursday – each drop you give brings you closer to Allah سبحانه وتعالى and raises your status.

So, by giving water, you spread mercy across the earth, and its rewards flow like water itself – pure, life-giving, and endless. 

Therefore, embrace this act today! Give water, earn rewards, and leave an ongoing reward for your dear ones and communities alike.