Recently, I cut my right thumb. It was a small wound, but caring for it reminded me of the wonders of Allah’s creation. I tried various bandages, but they quickly became soiled. Eventually, I removed them and simply ran water over the wound.

I also washed the very soiled and grubby bandages, I thought to just throw them away, but I'm very cheap, plus environmentally conservative, so I reuse and recycle just about everything!

To my amazement, the bandages became spotlessly clean – without soap, bleach, or antiseptic – just pure water. I paused in awe. How powerful is this seemingly simple element?

As I watched the water flow, I suddenly felt thirsty. I reached for a glass and drank deeply. Subhan Allah – the relief was immediate, as if my lungs were singing. My thirst vanished.

In that moment, I felt immense gratitude. Water: the cleanser of wounds, the quencher of thirst, the purifier of skin, clothes, and vessels. It is tasteless and colourless, yet absolutely essential.

Allah reminds us in the Koran: “And We made from water every living thing.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:30)

The more I pondered, the more I realised: my wonder at water should lead me to wonder at the creator of water – Allah, the one who sends down rain from the sky, who sustains all of creation.

“It is He who sends down rain from the sky; from it you drink and from it (grows) the vegetation on which you feed your cattle.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:10)

But then a sobering thought struck me: while I have clean water at my fingertips, millions around the world do not. For many, especially in regions afflicted by drought or poverty, water is not easily accessible. Some walk miles just to find a single container. Some lose their lives to contaminated sources.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught: “The best charity is giving water to drink.” (Reported by Ahmad and Abu Dawud)

Building a well, funding a water tank, or even installing a tap in a village can be life-changing. It does not just quench thirst – it saves lives, promotes health, and restores dignity. And the reward does not end there.

Water charity is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah – ongoing charity that continues to benefit others and earns reward even after we depart from this world.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” (Sahih Muslim)

Imagine: each drop that someone drinks from a well you helped build is a drop of mercy falling back upon you in your grave. Every child who bathes, every elder who cooks, every field that flourishes – all of it adds to your scale of good.

So next time we turn on the tap, let us not take it for granted. Let us thank Allah for this gift, and consider sharing it with those who are deprived.

Water is not just a resource. It is a sign, a mercy, a miracle. And above all, it is a path – both to healing and to Paradise.

Ameen.

Bermuda continue to enjoin what's right and forbid what's wrong. Continue to show disdain for genocide of innocent men, women and children.

Pray for world relief for all those suffering whether from war or natural disasters. Let's do what we can and all we can to change the state of affairs both here and abroad.

Have a blessed week.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam