I grew up living a very fortunate life. My parents reminded me is to always to help the unfortunate and be grateful for what you have. Many individuals living in poverty don’t have access to clean water or food; they are always neglected because we live in a world that is consumed by their own needs (going to work, dropping their children off to school and daycare, paying bills etc etc). I understand that. I am sort of living that life too: I wake at 4am, go to school (lectures from 8-12pm), come home, eat lunch, nap and then study until bedtime. I, too, am guilty of living a life that is catered around me. However, I wanted to change that. Even if I give some of my time to others, I remember the importance of human life. I born with a life with shelter, love, infinite amount of clothes, shoes, and food. This, unfortunately, is not the case for everyone. I wanted to change that. I wanted to make an impact on the world. Even though it is small, I wanted to make a difference.
I remember, one, day thinking that God said that the best form of charity is water. Immediately, I knew I wanted to install a water pump in areas that don’t have access to clean water. Back in 2020, I started doing my research and collected resources aiming for that goal. Meriam was one year old at the time when I started to work on this project. Although she is young, I think it is very important to teach children about the importance of love, helping others, and treating people with kindness.
Once I found the correct charity that could help my dreams come to fruitation, I gave them the money to buy the water pump and I requested it should be installed in an area where there is little/no- access to water. I decided to name this water pump after my Late maternal grandparents as a tribute and a form of sadaqah-e-jaariyah (this translates in Arabic as on-going charity). Sadaqah Jariyah is a gift that not only benefits others in this life but also benefits us and our loved ones in the next. (Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ, narrated by Muslim) “When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them.”
After 1.5 years of getting the permits to the water pump, obtaining its registration number, finding a location for the water pump, and then building it, my water pump is officially working and offering water to the people in the Washuk District of Balochistan. Although I was born in the United States, Pakistan is my nationality; My roots are Pakistani. I wanted to help the women and children in the area who don‘t have access to clean water.
I am proud of having a big heart. I hope Meriam can learn from this too. I want her to grow up in a world that helping is a big thing. Having a kind heart can do wonders. Thinking about others can do wonders. And on top of that, donating to charity or even a water pump can impact numerous lives. I strictly live by this quote: Be the change you wish to see in the world.
One step to the right direction can alter so many lives. I hope this post can inspire others to donate to charities they resonant with. Since this project is up and running, I have another charity projecting I am working on and hoping it can be successful as my water pump.
XOXOX-Ash
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