THE CHAPTER ON ZAKAT · 41 – THE EXCELLENCE OF OFFERING WATER
Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) and asked, "What is the best of charities in your opinion?" The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) replied, “Water.”
Sa'd ibn Ubad (may Allah be pleased with him) transmitted the narration in exactly this manner from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him).
Sa'd ibn Ubad (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him): “O Messenger of Allah, my mother has died. What charity is best in her name?” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) replied: "Water."
Sa'd ibn Ubad immediately had a well dug. And he said, “This well is for the sake of my mother.”
Abū Sa’īd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “Whoever clothes a Muslim who is without clothing, Allah will clothe him with garments of green silk from the garments of Paradise. Whoever nourishes a hungry Muslim, Allah will nourish him with fruits of Paradise; whoever gives water to a thirsty Muslim, Allah Most High will give him to drink from (the wine of) Rahik-i Mahtūm in Paradise.” [501]
**EXPLANATION:**
Rahik-i Mahtūm: This means pure, unmixed, and sealed. Refer to verse 25 of the Surah al-Muhaffifīn.
Mahtūm: Meaning sealed or stamped. The drinks of Paradise are sealed, exclusively for the drinker. A fragrance of musk will reach the drinker.