What is Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam?

Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing charity. It is one of the most rewarding deeds we can do in our lives, as it is a gift that not only benefits others in this life. It also benefits us and our loved ones in the next, as we can gain rewards for it both while we are alive and after we have passed.

For the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

What are the Benefits of Ongoing Charity?

Allah tells us in Surah Al-Baqarah that the reward of spending charity is like:

For example, water projects are one act of charity that keeps on giving, bringing more and more benefits and rewards to the receiver and giver. As a result, when a community has water, we see families grow food, healthy children attend school, clean hospitals and more!

Insha’Allah, when we provide water, we hope that these projects will remain sustainable. That they not only provide water in the present, but also for years to come. As well as provide beneficial knowledge for communities to pass on to future generations.

What is the difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah?

Sadaqah is an act of kindness that you donate. It can be anything from money to your time towards helping a cause.

Sadaqah Jariyah is a long-term kindness that accumulates ongoing rewards from Allah (SWT). For example, when someone decides to build a well, Allah (SWT) rewards them for the act. But He also rewards the believer who carried out that good deed each time someone or something uses or drinks from the well, even after their death. By giving Sadaqah Jariyah you can accrue rewards from Allah (SWT) beyond your lifetime.

Other examples include teaching someone an ayah of the Qur’an, or supporting our sustainable water projects, like drip irrigation systems, to ensure that families are able to grow crops for years to come.

Why do Muslims give Ongoing Charity?

Helping those who are less fortunate is an important aspect 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.

Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah 

Sadaqah Jariyah is any form of ongoing charity (gesture or donation) that benefits others. Examples include:

• Teaching someone a valuable skill
• Building an institution of good, such as a mosque, school, hospital or orphanage
• Building a means of provision, such as a well
• Teaching someone valuable knowledge, through books, lessons etc.
• Planting a tree
• Creating farmland
• Creating a home or shelter for people or animals
• Inventing something of use for people or animals

How Islamic Relief uses your Sadaqah Jariyah donations

For many of the world’s most vulnerable, your Sadaqah Jariyah donations are a lifeline. When you provide this everlasting Sadaqah to Islamic Relief, you can change the future of an orphan in need, who, through your vital donations, is provided with a way home to food, shelter, an education, and a chance at a brighter future.

It can help provide sustainable long-term water provisions that can benefit individuals, families, and entire communities for many years to come.

Your donations can also provide livelihoods to thousands of people and communities, helping to break the poverty cycle and lifting individuals in need into wellbeing. Sadaqah Jariyah is what today’s international development sector calls ‘sustainable development’. Something Islam promoted over 1400 years ago. It encompasses the majority of the sustainable development programmes carried out by both Islamic Relief and other NGOs today.

Your Sadaqah Jariyah donations are simply transformative.

When should you give Sadaqah Jariyah?

At any time of the year you can give Sadaqah Jariyah. It is often common to give in the name of a loved one after their death or when ill to bless their record of good deeds in the next life without taking away from your good deeds either.

Good deeds undertaken in the months of Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah are also particularly special.

FAQs