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FAQs
1. Why is it important we don’t use a lot of water? If we can recycle it then we will never run out?
The world is covered in water but less than 3% of it is fresh water which can be consumed by humans
and only 1% of this is reachable as the rest is in glaciers and other natural reserves. As the global
population continues to grow and people use an increasing amount of water we could run out of water by
2040. So how about we start recycling water? Many experts agree that recycling water will not end the
problems of water shortages and at best will simply mean that the problem will not get any worse. Mostly
recycled water is added to a main water supply as this adds another safety buffer so for recycling to be safe
enough we still need a supply for fresh water. Furthermore, research has shown that recycled water
contains damaging hormones and other chemicals which can make it unsafe. Any recycled water has to go
through constant checks for health risks which costs sustainable amounts of money and using huge
amounts of power so would be inaccessible for those suffering the worst effects of water
injustice. Recycling water is not a long term sustainable solution and would instead mean that by relying
on limited resources, including electricity, and a need for expensive processes it would only increase
injustices suffered by the most vulnerable across the global.
Water is a blessing which many of us take for granted and as stewards of the earth [Qur’an 6:165] Allah has
entrusted humanity with upholding justice and equality. Yet today over 650 million people still do not
have access to water and 900 children die everyday due to lack of clean water access. The Prophet
Muhammad [peace be upon him] forbade wasting water “even if you are at the banks of a flowing river”
and yet every time we make Wudu and leave the tap running we are wasting up to 10 litres of water per
minute which is more than one person in the developing world uses in an entire day. This is an injustice
and as Muslims we have a duty to remove this injustice. The Prophet [peace be upon him] said “none of
you truly believe until you love for others what you love for yourself!” [Bukhari] and he also said “whoever
sees anything unjust, let him change it with his hands….” [Muslim].
“Have you considered the water which you drink? Was it you who brought it down from the clouds or did
We cause it to fall? Had We willed, We could have made it bitter – will you not then be appreciative?”
[Qur’an 68: 70]
1. Who can take part?
The challenge is open to everyone. The three different challenge levels mean that there is something for
all ages and abilities. You can take part as an individual or as part of a team and you can choose to do any
one of the challenges [or all three of them if you want!]. The challenge is also part of a competition
between team categories and you can check your score on our leader board on this page
https://www.made.ngo/specials/ultimate-water-challenge/ . The overall winner of The Ultimate Water
Challenge will then have a well built in their name in Zanzibar! We have lots of different team categories
including ISOCs, Businesses, Schools, Madrasahs, Youth Groups, Friends, Muslim Organisations and others.
2. What is the difference between each challenge?
Each challenge level slightly increases in difficulty and you can select the one which best suits you when
you sign up [wudu challenge, bucket shower challenge or ultimate water endurance walk]. It is also about
challenging yourself and choosing the challenge which will be the biggest personal challenge to you. From
a test of physical strength and endurance to being conscientious and determined, MADE understands that
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everyone is different therefore we have built this initiative to ensure that there is a way for everyone to
take part. Check out the different challenges and find out which one you should take here
https://www.made.ngo/specials/ultimate-water-challenge/.
3. Can I do all three challenges?
Each challenge has its own fundraising target and has been designed to be a separate activity with a focus
on doing the challenge as teams to make fundraising easier. However, if you are interested in signing up
for all three challenges during the challenge week [21st March to 25 March] whether as part of a team or as
an individual, then please contact [email protected] to discuss a suitable fundraising target.
4. Can I only use one jug/mudd of water for all my wudu in one day? How about the bucket ghusl
challenge?
The use of water only corresponds to the activity which is outlined in your challenge. For example:
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Challenge Level 1: use 1 mudd of water [approx.. 675ml] for each wudu you do during the five days.
That’s 675ml per wudu per day [NOT 1 mudd for all 5 wudu per day!]. Contact MADE to get a mudd
jug here https://www.made.ngo/specials/ultimate-water-challenge/
Challenge Level 2: use 1 bucket for each Ghusl [shower] you have during each of the five days.
Participants can choose their own bucket though we ask that you choose a bucket of average size
[around 10-12 litres].
Challenge Level 3: Carry the weight of 20kg of water [20 litres] during a 6km walk across London
5. What is a mudd?
A mudd is the equivalent of two cupped hands of an average man, which can be approximately 675ml.
Anas related that when the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] made ablutions he would use a
quantity of water that could fill cupped hands [a mudd] and when he took a bath he would use four times
as much [Bukhari].
6. What materials do MADE provide for the challenge?
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For all challenges MADE will provide:
o Fundraising tips and information [participant pack]
o Useful facts and information on water injustice
o Support in your fundraising and during the challenge
o Mudd for the wudu challenge
o Fundraising leaflet
o T-shirts, placards and other items during the Ultimate Water Walk [challenge level 3]
including refreshments
7. How do we sign up?
To sign up visit https://www.made.ngo/specials/ultimate-water-challenge/
8. When is the challenge?
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The Challenge will be taking place nationally from Monday 21th March to Friday 25th March
The Ultimate Water Walk will be on Saturday 26th March in London. Details will be provided nearer
to the time. The duration will be approximately 3 hours.
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9. Can I take the challenge a different time?
The Challenge has been designed to take part in the same week as the International Water Week so we are
asking everyone to take part in the same five days to coincide with the international activities. If you are
interested in taking part but not able to do it during the main week then please email [email protected] for
more information.
10. What is the Ultimate Water Walk?
The Ultimate Water Walk is a 6km endurance walk through central London passing some of London’s
iconic landscape whilst carrying 20kg of water [20 litres].. This is the same distance and weight which
many women and children across Africa and Asia have to do regularly to access water. Approximately 125
million hours are lost in the developing world as a result of collecting water from far, hours which could
instead be invested in education, building lives and livelihoods. It is a challenge like no other which will
test your endurance, strength and determination while teaching you some of the reality of the water
injustice felt across the world. It is also an opportunity to engage with fellow non-Muslims on the Islamic
teachings of water and water injustice during the ultimate water walk itself.
11. How can I sign up as part of a team?
Once you visit the sign up page https://www.made.ngo/specials/ultimate-water-challenge/ you will be
able to select the option for team sign up. You will then need to complete your details including you team
name, contact details of your main contact person and those of additional members of your team. If you
do not know all of these when you first sign up then you can add these later by emailing [email protected].
12. We are an educational institute and our students are keen to take part, can this challenge be
done in schools or by madrasahs?
Yes of course, in fact the challenge has a dedicated leader board just for schools, madrasahs and youth
groups to compete against one another. Our education team has also put together resources, assembly
packs and lessons to carry out during the challenge week [21 st March to 25th March] with tips on how to
engage the whole school, parents and the wider community. Students and teachers can also take part in
the ultimate water walk. If you are a MADE Beacon Award School then this challenge will count towards
your gold or silver award. To find out more or to receive your schools pack, contact [email protected]
1. Do we have to fundraise?
The Ultimate Water Challenge is a fundraising challenge to help MADE continue its work to change poverty
and injustice from the root causes through campaigning and education, whilst also building a well in
Zanzibar providing water access to many poor families. To officially take part and be provided with all the
necessary materials you will need to sign up and agree that you will try to raise the minimum target which
varies depending on the challenge and if you are an individual or team. All details of the targets are
included on our web page https://www.made.ngo/specials/ultimate-water-challenge/
2. What if I am not able to fundraise my target during the week?
All participants will be provided with a set of fundraising tips which have been compiled based on tips from
previous MADE challenge participants. MADE is ready to support anyone to reach the targets so please let
us know if this is a concern and we can discuss different options for your fundraising. You have until the
middle of April to fundraise and we are here to help any way we can!
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3. Is there any incentive for the highest fundraiser?
The top fundraising team or individual (across the entire of all three challenges and scoreboards) will have
a deep water well built in their name in Zanzibar where water access is only a reality for the rich with the
poorest unable to afford access. Teams and individuals will be able to check their scores on our leader
board. There will also be smaller awards given to those who win in each team category as well.
4. How much do we need to fundraise?
The minimum targets for each challenge are detailed on the web page
https://www.made.ngo/specials/ultimate-water-challenge/
5. Where will the money go?
The money raised in the challenge will go towards the building of a deep water well in Zanzibar (see page
6 for more details) and to support the running of MADE campaigns. The work of MADE focuses on the
necessity to both change the actions of ourselves and root causes of a problem alongside the symptoms.
The Ultimate Water Challenge aims to change both of these. In Zanzibar water access is only a reality for
the rich with the poorest unable to afford access and we should be supporting efforts to provide water to
everyone regardless of economic position. However, without also tackling the root causes of water
injustice and addressing why it is happening in the first place, water injustice will continue to exist. To
change this, we need to first recognise our own over consumption of water and through this recognition
and change made in our own lives, we hope to see it inspire Muslims to actively engage in long term
solutions through campaigning and education – which is what MADE is all about.
Our individual choices and actions have a huge impact on people across the world and MADE wants to
empower the future generations to become activists like the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him].
As the greatest activist he showed Muslims that we have a duty to stand up for a world which Islam
envisions – a world with justice for all. Your support will not only mean that we can directly support those
suffering directly from water injustice in Zanzibar but will also ensure that the next generation do not have
to suffer from the same injustice.
6. Where can we see our fundraising leader board?
You will be able to access the fundraising leader board for each team category at
https://www.made.ngo/specials/ultimate-water-challenge/