Sadaqah Jariyah means a continuous, flowing and ongoing charity. It is one of the most rewarding acts we can do in our lives as the benefits of giving this type of charity can be reaped in this lifetime and long after we have passed.
Allah (swt) guarantees to record these continuous acts of charity in the following verse:
“Indeed, it is We who bring the dead to life and record what they have put forth and what they left behind, and all things We have accounted for in a clear register.” (Qur’an, 36:12)
To put it simply, they both count as ‘Sadaqah’ (voluntary charity). However, ‘Sadaqah’ on its own will benefit the recipient on a single occasion and will count as one good deed for the giver. ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’ will benefit the recipients more than once and that good deed will continue rewarding you even after your death.
For example, giving someone something to eat is a Sadaqah and will benefit that person in that moment whereas building a well where people can regularly draw water is a Sadaqah Jariyah and will benefit people for generations to come and in turn will continue benefiting you in this life and the next in sha’ Allah.
One of the best things about Sadaqah Jariyah is that you can give on behalf of the deceased and benefit them directly without decreasing your own rewards. When you lose a loved one, there is nothing that can ever take their place and it is often very hard to find the perfect way to honour their memory. Giving a Sadaqah Jariyah is one of the best things you can do for a loved one and something that they can benefit greatly from.
This is clearly indicated in the following hadith when a companion’s (ra) mother passed away and he sought the beloved Prophet’s (saw) advice about what to do for her:
On the authority of Sa‘d bin ’Ubadah (ra) that he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Umm (mother of) Sa‘d has died, so which charity is best?’ He [saw] replied, “Water (is best).” He said, ‘So he [ra] dug a well and said, “This (well) is for Umm Sa‘d”’. (Abu Dawud)
Donating to a Sadaqah Jariyah project is one of the most beautiful charities, since it provides benefit – for both the giver and receiver – for years to come.
Allah tells us in the Qur’an that the reward of spending in charity is like:
“A grain of corn which grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains” [Qur’an, 2:261]
For example, water projects is one act of charity keeps multiplying, bringing more and more benefit and reward. Insha’Allah, we hope that our sustainable water projects not only provide water for years to come. But also instil beneficial knowledge for entire communities that can be passed onto future generations.
Helping those who are less fortunate is a key tenet of the Islamic faith. Muslims give Sadaqah Jariyah because it helps our sisters and brothers in humanity, and in doing so, we gain the reward of Allah (SWT). Muslims are encouraged to give Sadaqah Jariyah for as long as the donation continues to benefit others. The donor will reap the reward of it, whatever it may be. This could last beyond the donor’s lifetime, and potentially even generations.
Sadaqah Jariyah is used towards our UK and global projects here at Greengate Trust. These are for the benefit of the poor and needy (both Muslim and non-Muslim).
Sadaqah Jariyah is a beautiful act of charity because of the multitude of benefits inherent in the act.
It benefits the donor, who gains reward in this life and as long as the charity benefits others – this could be beyond their lifetime. Giving charity of any kind, is also known to enhance the wellbeing of human beings.
It also benefits those in need and beyond. For some, an act of Sadaqah Jariyah can provide immediate and long-lasting relief. It can impact and shape the lives and futures of individuals and communities, potentially for generations.
Yes. Whether you wish to give on behalf of someone who is alive or has passed away, if you make the intention of doing it on their behalf, it will be accepted with the permission of Allah (SWT).
It also benefits those in need and beyond. For some, an act of Sadaqah Jariyah can provide immediate and long-lasting relief. It can impact and shape the lives and futures of individuals and communities, potentially for generations.
