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 taught and spread; a righteous child who prays for him; a copy of the Qur’an he left behind; a mosque he built; a house he constructed for wayfarers; a canal he dug; or charity he gave during his life while he was healthy. These deeds will continue to reach him after his death.”— Sunan Ibn Majah
Sadaqah Jariyah refers to any act of charity that provides continuous benefit over time—resulting in ongoing rewards from Allah (SWT) even after a person has passed away. Its forms are diverse and far-reaching. Below are ten impactful ways to earn the reward of this beautiful form of charity:
1. SPONSORING CHILDREN OR ORPHANS
Helping orphans and underprivileged children, especially in their education and daily needs, is one of the most noble forms of Sadaqah Jariyah. It leaves a lasting impact on their lives and grants ongoing rewards to the sponsor.
2. SPREADING ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE
Teaching others about Islam—whether through classes, writing, or distributing Qur’ans and Islamic books—ensures that your reward continues every time someone benefits from what they learned.
3. DONATING PROPERTY (WAQF)
Waqf involves dedicating valuable assets like land or buildings for the benefit of the community. If the waqf supports the construction of mosques, schools, or healthcare facilities, the reward continues as long as people benefit.
4. BUILDING MOSQUES, SCHOOLS, AND HOSPITALS
Helping build or maintain places of worship, learning, or healing ensures long-term benefit to the community. These are highly rewarding acts, as their purpose fulfills essential needs for generations.
5. DIGGING WELLS OR PROVIDING WATER
Creating access to clean water—whether by digging wells, installing pumps, or building water infrastructure—saves lives and sustains communities. This is among the most praised forms of ongoing charity.
6. PLANTING TREES
Planting trees that provide shade, oxygen, and fruits benefits people and the environment alike. Every time someone or something benefits from that tree, the reward continues to reach the person who planted it.
7. BUILDING SHELTERS FOR TRAVELERS OR THOSE IN NEED
Constructing homes or shelters for travelers, refugees, or the homeless is a powerful form of Sadaqah Jariyah. It provides safety, comfort, and dignity, while bringing lasting reward to the donor.
8. INVENTING OR DEVELOPING BENEFICIAL TOOLS
If you develop a solution, invention, or service that benefits people—especially in areas like medicine, education, or public health—it counts as Sadaqah Jariyah, as long as it continues to serve humanity.
9. ESTABLISHING COMMUNITIES OR ORGANIZATIONS
Starting or supporting an organization dedicated to helping others—such as one that feeds the poor, shelters the homeless, or spreads Islamic teachings—can create a legacy that continues to benefit others long after you’re gone.
Jarir (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever initiates a good practice in Islam will have its reward and the reward of those who act upon it, without their rewards being diminished in the least…”
— Sahih Muslim
10. TEACHING VALUABLE LIFE OR FAITH-BASED SKILLS
Passing on knowledge of useful skills, including Islamic education, technology for Da’wah, or life skills that help people become self-sufficient, creates a ripple effect of goodness that can outlast you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is Sadaqah Jariyah mandatory?
A: No, it is not mandatory, but it is a highly recommended and rewarding voluntary act in Islam that benefits both the giver and the recipient.
Q: Can I donate Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of deceased parents or loved ones?
A: Yes. Giving on behalf of someone—alive or deceased—is permissible and will benefit that person, insha’Allah.
Q: What is the difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah?
A: Sadaqah is a general charity that brings reward for a single act, while Sadaqah Jariyah continues to bring reward as long as its benefits endure. For example, feeding someone is Sadaqah; building a water well is Sadaqah Jariyah.
Q: How is Sadaqah Jariyah different from Zakah?
A: Zakah is an obligatory act and has specific rules, including a 2.5% annual payment on wealth above the Nisab threshold. Sadaqah Jariyah is optional and can be given in any amount and at any time.
CONCLUSION
Sadaqah Jariyah is a beautiful way to leave a legacy of kindness and impact. Whether through education, infrastructure, clean water, or knowledge, your deeds can continue to benefit you long after your soul has returned to Allah.
You can also contribute to to support Islamic projects, such as mobile apps and educational platforms, that reach millions of Muslims globally. May Allah (SWT) grant us all the ability to invest in our Hereafter through acts of lasting charity. Ameen.
