The importance of water for displaced persons camps
In light of the suffering and lack of resources experienced by residents of refugee camps, water scarcity is considered the most critical problem requiring urgent solutions to sustain the lives of millions. Water is the foundation of life and cannot be replaced, as it is essential for drinking and hygiene.
For this reason, we present today’s article to explore global water statistics, the types of water charity (Sadaqat Al-Maa), and how to donate water to camps to help secure a dignified life.
Table of Contents
Water Statistics Around the World
Studies indicate that water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface. Of this, only 2.5% is fresh water, most of which is frozen and unsuitable for consumption, while 97.5% is saltwater. As a result, only about 1% of water is available for drinking from groundwater, rivers, and lakes.
This reveals a global water availability crisis, especially affecting regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa.
It is also expected that the number of people suffering from water scarcity will continue to rise, with a significant global increase in water demand.
Global Ranking by Per Capita Water Share
Below is the ranking of countries based on per capita water availability:
| Iceland | Hundreds of thousands of cubic meters per person per year |
| Bhutan | Approximately 101,960 cubic meters per person per year |
| Gabon | Approximately 97,175 cubic meters per person per year |
| Canada | Approximately 80,183 cubic meters per person per year |
| Norway | Approximately 74,359 cubic meters per person per year |
| Turkmenistan | More than 5,000 cubic meters per person per year |
| Uzbekistan | Approximately 2,500–3,000 cubic meters per person per year |
| Iraq | Approximately 2,000 cubic meters per person per year |
Arab Countries Ranking in Terms of Water
Below is the ranking of Arab countries based on the quality of potable water, noting that most rely on water desalination:
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Jordan
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Iraq
- Egypt
What Is Water Charity (Saqya Al-Maa)
Providing water is one of the most beautiful ongoing charities encouraged in Islam due to its profound impact and great reward. It involves providing clean drinking water for people or animals through well-digging projects, water distribution, pipeline installation, or placing public water coolers.
Hadiths About Providing Water
- The Hadith of Sa‘d ibn ‘Ubadah: He asked the Prophet ﷺ, “Should I give charity on behalf of my mother?” He replied, “Yes.” He asked, “Which charity is best?” He said, “Providing water.”
- “The best charity is providing water.”
- “There is no charity greater in reward than water,” narrated by Al-Bukhari.
Types of Water Charity
Providing Water for Mosques
Supplying water to mosques is an ongoing charity that ensures worshippers can perform their prayers comfortably. Its benefit is continuous, making it one of the greatest acts of devotion.
Water Distribution as Charity
- Its benefit never ceases, as water is a basic necessity.
- It is a continuous charity whose reward continues even after death.
- It erases sins and replaces them with good deeds.
Providing Water to Refugees and Camps
Water Needs for Drinking and Hygiene
Camps require large quantities of water for drinking, hygiene, and cooking. Clean water is essential for maintaining public health, especially since disease spreads rapidly in overcrowded areas with contaminated water.
Ways to Donate Water to Camps
- Digging wells to provide clean drinking water.
- Providing water storage tanks.
- Ensuring clean water sources for distribution.
- Installing water purification stations.
- Financial donations to trusted charities such as Al-Wafaa Association.
- Direct water distribution through bottles or coolers.
Water Storage Tanks
- Protect water from contamination.
- Maintain water disinfection levels.
- Ensure fair water distribution.
Ice Blocks During Summer
- Cooling drinking water in extreme heat.
- Preserving temperature-sensitive medications.
- Helping preserve food.
Many humanitarian organizations, such as Al-Wafaa Association, provide these supplies through donations.
Water Tankers for Camps
- Deliver potable water to all camp areas.
- Support stable and safe living conditions.
- Serve as an alternative to permanent pipelines.
- Ensure fair water distribution.
- Reduce hardship for families and children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is providing water considered charity?
Yes, providing water is one of the greatest charities with immense reward, as stated by the Prophet ﷺ.
Can water be donated to refugee camps?
Yes, water can be donated through trusted humanitarian organizations such as Al-Wafaa Association via online donations, water tankers, or storage tanks delivered directly to refugees.
