In Edilpur village, Madhupur, Tangail district, 49-year-old Shaheb Ali has lived a life defined by hardship, chronic illness, and quiet resilience. As a daily wage labourer struggling with failing health, earning even a modest income is a daily battle, leaving his family trapped in a cycle of poverty.

Shaheb’s burdens run deep. Years ago, he lost his first wife to cancer because he couldn’t afford the medical treatment that might have saved her. Today, Shaheb lives in a small tin-roofed home with his second wife and their three young children. Despite his best efforts, his fragile income barely puts food on the table.

Yet, poverty was not their only trial, they had no access to safe drinking water.

The heavy burden of unsafe water

Without a clean water source nearby, Shaheb’s family faced an exhausting daily ordeal. Fetching water meant walking long, tiring distances, an unbearable strain on Shaheb’s weakened body, as well as on his wife and young children.

“The nearest tube well was too far… Walking long distances daily to fetch water was an unbearable burden for my family.”

Access to clean, safe drinking water isn’t just a convenience, it is a fundamental human right. Yet for Shaheb and thousands like him, it was a daily struggle for survival.

A lifeline of hope: Islamic Relief’s intervention

Recognizing the urgent need, Islamic Relief Bangladesh conducted a community consultation to identify households most in need. Supported by local elders and community members, Shaheb’s family was selected alongside nine others for a life-changing intervention.

Following a thorough needs assessment, Islamic Relief Bangladesh installed a deep-set pump tube well right near Shaheb’s doorstep. Today, 10 families enjoy immediate, daily access to clean, safe, and arsenic-free drinking water.

“The pain of walking far for water is gone,” says Shaheb, his voice filled with relief.

“My heart feels lighter now. It may seem like a small thing, but for us, this water has brought comfort and dignity into our lives. I am truly thankful to Islamic Relief. May Allah reward them for their kindness.”

Sustainable impact: The FWAB-V Project

Shaheb’s story is part of a larger mission. Through the “Facilitating Water Access in Northern Bangladesh (FWAB-V) Phase V” project funded by Islamic Relief Malaysia, vital water infrastructure was brought to two of the most water-stressed unions (Aushnara and Beribaid) in Madhupur Upazila.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the project delivered:

• 20 Inclusive Deep-Set Pumps: Providing safe, arsenic-free drinking water to disaster-vulnerable communities.
• Caretaker Training: 40 local caretakers were trained and equipped with repair toolboxes to maintain the water points independently.
• Hygiene & Sanitation Awareness: 200 community members participated in hygiene promotion sessions, raising awareness on safe water storage and handwashing practices to protect long-term public health.

Bring a ray of hope with your sadaqah jariyah

Shaheb Ali’s story is just one of millions. Across the globe, countess vulnerable families, women, and children still walk miles every day just to fetch a bucket of water that is often unsafe and contaminated.

Donate to the Dana Wakaf Sistem Air (DWAS)

Through the water system waqf fund, DWAS by Islamic Relief Malaysia, you can help build sustainable, long-lasting water solutions such as deep-set tube wells, solar-powered water systems, and filtration units for communities desperately in need.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was asked:

“Which charity is the best?” He replied: “PROVIDING WATER.”

(HR Abu Dawud)

Why Support the DWAS Waqf Fund?

• Continuous Sadaqah Jariyah: Earn ongoing rewards for every single drop of water used by families, children, and livestock.
• Restoring Health & Dignity: Protect poor families from waterborne diseases and relieve them of the exhausting daily burden of fetching water.
• Sustainable Community Impact: Allow children to attend school and parents to earn a living instead of spending hours searching for water.

Give you waqf and provide the gift of clean water and transform a life today.