SADAQAH JARIYAH : MEANING, BENEFITS, AND EXAMPLES OF ONGOING CHARITY
Islam is a faith rooted in compassion and community. Among its many teachings is the encouragement of Sadaqah—voluntary charity that encompasses far more than monetary donations. Even a smile, kind advice, or removing an obstacle from someone’s path can be a form of Sadaqah.
But within this broad concept lies a particularly powerful form of giving: Sadaqah Jariyah, or ongoing charity. This type of charity doesn’t end with the act—it continues to benefit others, and in return, rewards the giver even after death.
WHAT IS SADAQAH JARIYAH?
Sadaqah Jariyah refers to any charitable act that offers continuous benefits over time. It is one of the most impactful deeds a Muslim can perform—an investment in both this life and the hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: a continuous charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.”
— Sahih Muslim
Islamic scholars have elaborated on this concept:
•Imam An-Nawawi (R) explained that Sadaqah Jariyah is a form of waqf (endowment).
•Ibn Hazm (R) described it as charity that continues to earn rewards after one’s death.
•Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (R) emphasized that any good deed whose benefits persist after death qualifies as Sadaqah Jariyah.
WHAT THE QUR’AN SAYS ABOUT CHARITY
Although the Qur’an does not mention Sadaqah Jariyah explicitly, it repeatedly emphasizes the virtue and reward of charity:
•“Indeed, those men and women who give in charity and lend to Allah a good loan—it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.”
— Surah Al-Hadid, 57:18
•“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is like a grain of corn that grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains…”
— Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261
•“And spend from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you…”
— Surah Al-Munafiqun, 63:10
HADITH ON ONGOING CHARITY
Multiple narrations reinforce the concept:
•“When a man dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, knowledge that benefits others, and a righteous child who prays for him.”
— Sahih Muslim
•“The best things a man can leave behind are a righteous child, ongoing charity, and knowledge that is acted upon after his death.”
— Sunan Ibn Majah
•“Charity extinguishes sin just as water extinguishes fire.”
— Jami’ at-Tirmidhi
BENEFITS OF SADAQAH JARIYAH
1. Eternal Rewards
This form of charity continues to generate blessings and rewards, even after death. It is mentioned in the Qur’an:
“We record what they sent before and what they left behind…”
— Surah Ya-Sin, 36:12
2. Protection from Calamity and Sin
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”
— Jami’ at-Tirmidhi
3. Positive Social Impact
Sadaqah Jariyah often supports long-term projects like education, water access, and healthcare, creating sustainable improvements in society.
4. Brings Barakah (Blessings)
With sincere intention, ongoing charity brings divine blessings, peace, and a stronger connection to Allah.
5. Fulfills a Religious Duty
Helping others through charity aligns with core Islamic principles and deepens spiritual fulfillment.
EXAMPLES OF SADAQAH JARIYAH
•Building or supporting mosques and Islamic centers
•Installing water wells or water systems
•Sponsoring education or Islamic learning
•Publishing religious texts or educational resources
•Planting trees
•Supporting orphanages and healthcare projects
Sadaqah Jariyah is not only a beautiful form of giving—it is a legacy. One that lives beyond our time on earth and continues to benefit both the giver and the community. It is a pathway to eternal reward and a means to stay spiritually connected to Allah, even after we depart this world.
