What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
The meaning of Sadaqah Jariyah is a continuous, flowing and ongoing charity. Whether this charity is given on behalf of a deceased love one or to those in need in your living years, it is one of the most rewarding acts we can do in our lives. 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)
The following famous Hadith gives us the good news that even after our death, Sadaqah Jariyah continues to benefit us:
On the authority of Abu Hurairah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ‘When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), or knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him.’ (Muslim)
What is the difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah?
To put it simply, they both count as ‘Sadaqah’ (voluntary charity) and they are both highly recommended acts. 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 water 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.
What qualifies as Sadaqah Jariyah?
There are numerous types of Sadaqah Jariyah but in the following hadith seven are mentioned by name:
On the authority of Abu Hurairah (ra) who said,
‘the Prophet (saw) said, “Indeed, the rewards of his actions and good deeds that will reach a believer after his death are: [1] knowledge which he taught and spread; [2] a righteous child whom he leaves behind; [3] a copy of the Qur’an that he leaves as a legacy; [4] or a masjid that he built; [5] or a house that he built for wayfarers; [6] a canal that he dug; [7] or charity that he gave from his wealth in his good health and life. [These deeds] will reach him after his death.”’ (Ibn Majah)
What are some examples of Sadaqah Jariyah?
Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah can range from something as simple as planting a single tree to supporting an entire mosque complex or place of education.
Who can receive Sadaqah Jariyah?
Unlike Zakat, anyone in need can receive Sadaqah Jariyah.
Is there a minimum amount for Sadaqah Jariyah?
There is no minimum amount. Even a small, sincere contribution can count as Sadaqah Jariyah if it creates a lasting benefit.
What Sadaqah Jariyah can I donate with Muslim Hands?
At Muslim Hands, we offer a wide range of Sadaqah Jariyah projects to suit every budget. From education and water schemes, to orphan sponsorships and livelihood programmes, our continuous charity projects enable people to help themselves beyond the initial intervention, ensuring that both them and you reap the benefits for years to come in sha’ Allah.
Can I give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of someone else?
Yes, of course! You can give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of yourself or someone else, whether that is a child, a friend or a relative. You can even gift it to them on a special occassion via our Great Charity Gifts service. You can choose a card and they will also receive a certificate. For example, you can plant an olive tree in Palestine for just £15. In particular, giving Sadaqah Jariyah on behlaf of someone who has died is a long-established tradition amongst Muslims.
Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of the deceased
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)
Can I schedule Sadaqah Jariyah donations monthly?
Absolutely! It's a great way to commit to a small continuous act of good, which Allah loves:
'...The best of deeds is that which is done consistently, even if it is little.' (Ibn Majah)
Why not sponsor a disadvantaged child to memorise the Qur'an? Not only is it a manageable way of giving a regular amount of Sadaqah Jariyah, but its also spreading beneficial knowledge. Many charities offer Hifz sponsorships, including us!
Is Sadaqah Jariyah allowed during Ramadan or Dhul Hijjah?
Yes, giving Sadaqah Jariyah during blessed months like Ramadan or the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah can multiply your rewards significantly.
Why is Sadaqah Jariyah such a popular way of giving?
Sadaqah Jariyah is not just a moment of generosity — it’s a legacy of compassion that continues to uplift lives long after we’ve departed. Whether it's funding a water well, supporting a child’s education, or planting a tree, every act of ongoing charity becomes a source of continuous reward. These actions carry eternal weight, offering benefit not only to those in need, but also to the soul of the giver.
At Muslim Hands, we ensure that your donations are delivered with care, transparency, and long-term impact. By supporting sustainable projects, you're not just responding to immediate needs — you're building futures, one good deed at a time. Imagine, every time someone benefits from your donation or makes du'a for you, is an investment in your afterlife. What an amazing reward! Start your Sadaqah Jariyah today and leave behind a legacy that never stops giving.
