The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tell us a lot about the importance of giving charity in Islam. Acts of Sadaqah should be done regularly and willingly as a believing Muslim. Whilst Sadaqah is a form of a one-time donation, Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing voluntary charity that supports a project with long-term impacts.
Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah
Gifting a Quran to a mosque – you will get a reward for everyone who reads from it.
Planting trees that provide fruit or shade – every time someone eats from that tree, you will be rewarded.
Building a well – providing clean water for those who don’t have easy access to it.
Forming a school, hospital or institute that benefits a community
Sponsoring an orphan – as they grow up to be good pious adults, you will get the reward.
Donating materials to a hospital, such as wheelchairs and crutches for patients to use.
Teaching someone good beneficial knowledge for them to implement and teach the same to others.
Sadaqah Jariyah for the Deceased
The rewards of Sadaqah Jariyah can be earned by the deceased through their actions for when they were alive or through the actions of others who dedicate it to the deceased. In fact, giving charity for the deceased in Islam is a common practice. Many people choose to dedicate acts of Sadaqah to their deceased parents.
Some of the best acts of Sadaqah Jariyah for the deceased can be building a masjid, a water well, or a water pump on behalf of them.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was once asked: “Which charity is best?” He replied, “[Providing] water”.’ [Abu Dawud]
The reason many choose to do Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of the deceased is so that they may continue to gain the rewards of this act in the Hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has said: When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased). [Sahih Muslim]
Sadaqah Hadiths and Qur’an Quotes
It is important not to boast about the Sadaqah you perform and keep it between you and Allah (SWT). “O you who believe, do not nullify your acts of charity by boasting about (doing people a) a favour and by causing (them) hurt, like the one who spends his wealth to show off before people and does not believe in Allah and in the Last Day. So, his example is like a rock on which there is dust, then a heavy rain came over it and left it barren. They have no ability to gain anything out of what they have done, and Allah does not give guidance to the people who disbelieve.” – [Quran, Al Baqarah 2:264]
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), through his teachings and practices, has shown us the importance of giving charity. In a hadith, he said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” [Al-Tirmidhi]
When to Give Sadaqah Jariyah
Acts of Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah can be performed at any time! As a very virtuous action, it holds a lot of rewards for being voluntary. However, it should be given every day, if possible, in whatever form possible, such as material or financial.
“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” [Al-Bukhari, Muslim]
Donate to Orphans in Need
Why not donate Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of a loved one who is no longer with you for them to gain eternal reward? You can donate to Orphans in Need to provide orphans and families with essentials such as food parcels, water, medication, shelter, and other materials.
