Water waqf potential as an alternative water supply source

The historical utilization of water endowment, or "waqf", traces back to the era of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This practice was catalyzed by a water scarcity incident in Madinah, juxtaposed with the established tradition of consuming Zam Zam water in Makkah among the Muhajirin. Within Madinah, access to potable water was confined to a single well known as the Raumah well, under the ownership of a Jewish individual (Aemy bin Aziz, 2022). The local populace was compelled to endure prolonged queues and exorbitant pricing to procure clean water from this source. Consequently, in pursuit of communal welfare, one of the esteemed companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), namely Saidina Uthman bin Affan (RA), endeavored to acquire ownership of the well. Initially, despite being offered a substantial sum, the Jewish proprietor hesitated to divest ownership of the well, fearing a loss of revenue. In response, Saidina Uthman bin Affan (RA) proposed a novel arrangement in which ownership of the well would alternate between himself and the Jew on a daily basis (Abdul Halim Ramli & Kamarulzaman Sulaiman, 2006). Subsequently, Saidina Uthman (RA) advised the inhabitants of Madinah to procure a two-day water supply, as the following day ownership of the well would revert to the Jew, necessitating water purchase. On the designated day, the Jew observed a notable absence of patrons seeking water, prompting a renewed negotiation with Saidina Uthman (RA), culminating in the full sale of the well.