What is Sadaqah Jariyah? Benefits and Examples of Ongoing Charity

Islam is a religion of humanity. It encourages voluntary charitable activities, which are referred to as Sadaqah. From the Islamic perspective, Sadaqa isn’t solely referred to as giving money but can be anything good deeds like smiling, helping others, giving good advice, removing obstacles from the path, etc.  

Sadaqah Jariah, on the other hand, is a special kind of Sadaqah that leads to immense rewards both in this world and hereafter. It’s an ongoing charity that will reward you even after death. This blog will highlight the meaning, benefits, and different types of Sadaqa Jariya.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

Sadaqah al Jariya is a continuous and running charity. It is one of the most rewarding acts a person can do in his life. This type of charity can be reaped in this lifetime and even after one has passed. Sadaqah Jaariah is a long-term and ongoing reward that differs from regular Sadaqah. 

Some widely used English synonyms of Sadaqa Jariah are Ongoing/running/continuous charity, recurring charity, ever-flowing charity, perpetual charity, etc. 

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity (Sadaqa e Jariah), knowledge by which people derive benefit, a pious son who prays for him.” [Sahih Muslim]

All the mentioned hasanat (good deeds) in this hadith is actually Sadaqa al Jariah that benefits you even in the grave. Here are a few quotes from some Islamic scholars about Sadka Jaria. 

An-Nawawi (R) commented on this hadith on Sharh Muslim (11/85): “Sadqa Jariyah (Ongoing charity) is a type of Waqf (endowment).”

Ibn Hazm (R) said in al-Muhalla (8/151): “Recurring charity (Sadaqah Jaariya) is that which continues to bring reward even after death.”

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (R) said in Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (4/13): “Running charity (Sadaqah Jariaah) refers to any righteous deed of a man that continues after his death.”

What Allah Says About Ongoing Charity?

There isn’t any verse in the Quran al-Majeed that mentions Sadaqa Jariya directly. But Sadaqah is mentioned in the Noble Quran multiple times. As Sadaqah Jariah is one kind of Saqaqah, so mentioning the Sadaqah is equal to mentioning Sadaqah al Jariah.

“Indeed, those men and women who give in charity and lend to Allah a good loan will have it multiplied for them, and they will have an honorable reward.” [Surah Al-Hadid, 57: 18]

“Those who in charity spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 274]

“The semblance of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah SWT, is as the likeness of a grain of corn, which grows seven ears and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah SWT gives manifold increase to whomever He pleases. Allah SWT is All-Sufficient, All-Knowing.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 261]

“And spend something (in charity) out of the provision which we have bestowed you, before death should come to any of you and he should say, o my Rabb! Why do you not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good.” [Surah Al-Munafiqun, 63: 10]

What Hadith Says About Continuous Charity?

Here are some ahadith mentioned in the hadith books,

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger ﷺ as saying: “When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity (Sadaqah al Jariyah), or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased).” [Sahih Muslim]

‘Abdullah bin Abu Qatadah narrated that his father said The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The best things that a man can leave behind are three: A righteous son who will pray for him, ongoing charity (Sadka e Jariah) whose reward will reach him, and knowledge which is acted upon after his death.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When a man dies, all his good deeds come to an end except three: Ongoing charity (Sadqa Jaria), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous son who prays for him.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]

Benefits of Sadaqah Jariah

Sadqa Jariya is important for many reasons. Some of the virtues and benefits of the recurring donation are given below.

1. Eternal Rewards

The rewards of Sadaqah benefit people endlessly in this Dunya and hereafter. So, this is an excellent investment for the hereafter that will accompany you to the grave.

Allah (SWT) has guaranteed to record such continuous acts of charity in the following verse-

“We shall certainly bring the dead back to life and record what they did as well as what they had left behind. We keep an account of everything in a clear Record.” [Surah Ya-Sin; Verse 12]

It is also mentioned in the Hadith-

“The charity of each one shades him on the Day of Resurrection — a Day in which the sun shall be brought near the heads of people until Allah passes judgment between them.” [Musnad Ahmad]

Therefore, when you give Sadaqa e Jariyah in your name or the name of a loved one, the blessings continue even after death.

2. Sadaqah Jariah Removes Hardships and Expiates Sins

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Give the Sadaqah without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity” [Jami At-Tirmidhi]

In another hadith, Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said,

“Sadaqah removes sins of a person just as water extinguishes fire.” [Jami At-Tirmidhi]

3. Social Impact

Sadqa Jariya often targets critical societal needs, such as education, healthcare, clean water, and poverty alleviation. By addressing these needs, your donation can uplift communities and help break the cycle of poverty.

These projects contribute to the development of communities, fostering a sense of unity, cooperation, and positive change in society. Your charitable actions can inspire others to engage in similar acts of kindness, creating a ripple effect of positive change and encouraging a culture of giving.

4. Barakah (Blessings) 

Giving Sadaqa al Jariyah with sincere intention can invite blessings into your life and the lives of your loved ones. It helps to get closer to Allah and attain Allah’s blessings. Participating in the Sadaqah Jariah projects will give you tranquility too.

5. Fulfillment of Religious Duty

Donating Sadaqa Jaria aligns with the teachings of Islam, which emphasizes the importance of charity and helping those in need. Fulfilling this duty can bring a sense of fulfillment and spiritual satisfaction.

10 Powerful Acts of Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam

Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The good deeds that will reach a believer after his death are: knowledge which he learned and then spread; a righteous son whom he leaves behind; a copy of the Quran that he leaves as a legacy; a mosque that he built; a house that he built for wayfarers; a canal that he dug; or charity that he gave during his lifetime when he was in good health. These deeds will reach him after his death.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

The ranges of Sadaqa Jariah could be miscellaneous. Some of the prominent examples of Sadka Jariah are- building masjids, schools, hospitals, and water wells, spreading Islamic teachings, sponsoring children and orphans, planting trees, and so on. 

Now, we’ll explain several ways to engage in Sadaqah Jariah.

1. Sponsoring Children or Orphans

Sponsoring children or orphans is a vital way to earn the reward of Sadaqa Jaria. Investing in an orphan’s education and well-being is an excellent opportunity to get closer to Allah SWT. This act aligns with the teachings of Islam, ensuring a perpetual cycle of reward for the sponsor while making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

2. Spreading Islamic Knowledge

Spreading Islamic knowledge is considered Sadqa Jariya in Islam. Through knowledge and teachings, people can live through generations, and its rewards will continue even after passing. You can do it through teaching, writing, distributing educational materials like Quran and hadith, establishing a scholarship fund, or supporting educational initiatives. 

Greentech Apps Foundation (GTAF) is a UK registered charity that has been working on developing Islamic apps (like Quran, Hadith, dua, and Seerah apps) since 2015 to promote Islamic teachings. You can donate GTAF to help us reach millions of Muslims worldwide through our Islamic. 

Your donation will serve as Sadaka Jariyah – an ongoing charity that will benefit you both in this life and the hereafter. You can donate GTAF monthly or once as much as you can for the purpose of dawah.

Don’t forget to be a part of our cause and support our projects to help us achieve our goals to educate and inspire muslims worlwide in sha Allah. Your contributions will encourage Islamic education and fulfill the Islamic digital needs of the Ummah.

You can easily donate to GTAF and empower the muslims through islamic apps.

Abu Huraira (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger ﷺ as saying: “He who called (people) to righteousness, there would be reward (assured) for him like the rewards of those who adhered to it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. [Sahih Muslim]

3. Donating Property (Waqf)

Donating property (Waqf) for spreading Islam is another impactful everlasting charity. This noble act involves dedicating a valuable asset, such as land or buildings, for charitable purposes. But be sure the donated property is used for good purposes like building Masjids, Islamic schools, hospitals, or other hasanat (good) projects to help others.

4. Building Masjids, Schools, and Hospitals

Building Islamic institutions like Masjids and Madrasas or establishing hospitals is another example of ongoing charity. A mosque provides a place for communal worship, fostering spiritual growth for generations. Islamic schools offer education, empowering individuals with knowledge that continues to benefit society. 

Hospitals provide healthcare, ensuring the well-being of people and saving lives over time. Contributing to such projects can earn rewards even after you pass, as this effort continues to benefit others in the long run.

5. Digging Water Wells, Canals

Establishing a sustainable source of clean water is a continuous charity in Islam. By digging water wells and canals, you can get this reward easily until the water source exists. 

6. Planting Trees for Shade

The concept of planting trees for shade is undoubtedly a good deed. Trees provide shade, leaves, and fruits that have benefited people, animals, and the environment for years. In this way, planting trees fosters a sense of community welfare and environmental stewardship in the spirit of Sadaqah Jaria.

7. Building Houses for Wayfarers

Constructing shelters for travelers or those in need is considered Sadaqah al Jariyah, as the shelter benefits people for a long time. By providing a safe wayfarer for travelers, you can earn the blessings and rewards of ongoing donations. 

8. Inventing Something for Humanity

Islam teaches us to utilize our knowledge and skills for the betterment of humanity. Inventing something for humanity stands for the essence of Sadaqa Jaariyah. It could be a medical breakthrough, technological innovation, or social advancement. 

9. Establishing Community to Work for Humanity

Islam is a religion of humanity that teaches to help the distressed, feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, support refugees, and help people by any means. If you have the skills, build up a community that will work to support humanity generations after generations. The rewards are mentioned in the hadith,

Jarir (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “Whoever institutes a good practice in Islam will have its reward and the reward of whoever acts upon it without diminishing their rewards in the slightest. Whoever institutes an evil practice in Islam will have its sin and the sin of those who act upon it without diminishing their sins in the slightest.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim]

10. Teaching People Valuable Skills

The more you teach, the better you learn. Teach people the valuable skills that you have. This could include creating Islamic websites, generating motivational content for Dawah’s purpose, etc. This will resonate throughout generations, and you will get benefits even in the grave in sha Allah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Sadqah Jariah mandatory?

Ans: No. Sadqa Jaariah isn’t mandatory. But this is an excellent opportunity to get benefitted after you have passed away. So, we should involve more Sadaqah Jariah projects as much as possible.

Q. Can I donate Sadaqah Jariah to deceased parents or others?

Ans: Yes. You can donate Sadkah Jariah on behalf of alive or dead persons like your parents. And this charitable donation will reward that person.

Q. What is the difference between Sadaqah and Sadadah Jariya? 

Ans: Sadaqah is short-term and benefits the recipients on a single occasion. It counts as one good deed for the giver. On the other hand, Sadaqa Jariya is long-term and benefits the recipients continuously, and the giver continues to be rewarded even after death.

For example, providing food for someone is Sadaqah as it benefits that person momentarily. But building a masjid for people where they can regularly go to pray is Sadqah e Jariyah, as it aids people for years to come. It will continue to benefit the giver in this life and the Hereafter in sha Allah.

Q. How Sadaqah Jaariah differs from Zakah?

Ans: Sadqa e Jariya is a voluntary task, but Zakah is a mandatory duty for Muslims who have a Nisab amount of wealth. You can give Sadaka Jaria as much as you can. On the other hand, Zakah should be given a 2.5% rate. Zakah is given every fiscal year, but Sadakah Jariah can be donated anytime.

Conclusion

Sadaqah Jariyah refers to acts of donating wealth or doing something that will benefit people for a long time. And the giver will get the reward continuously, even after death. We’ve discussed here numerous ways to contribute to ever-flowing charity; you can participate in the way that suits you well. 

You can also donate GTAF to support our projects to reach millions of Muslims through Islamic apps. May Allah SWT give us Tawfique to invest hereafter through Sadaq al Jariah.