We all seek lasting impact—one that remains after us, growing, blooming, and bearing fruit. This fruit serves as energy for many generations after us and brings with it rewards from Allah, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: Sadaqah Jaryiah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.”
What is meant by Sadaqah Jaryiah? How does it differ from ordinary Sadaqah? What are its rewards, best ways, and channels? These are questions we will answer in this article.
What is Sadaqah Jaryiah?
You might wonder, what is Sadaqah Jaryiah? Sadaqah Jaryiah is defined as a form of charity whose rewards continue even after the donor’s death, unlike other forms of charity which, despite their goodness and virtue, do not have lasting effects, such as feeding the poor.
Contributing to the construction of an orphanage or elderly home, building a mosque, planting trees, digging a well, or printing and distributing copies of the Quran are all forms of Sadaqah Jaryiah that provide ongoing rewards as long as their benefits endure.
The Difference Between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jaryiah
The main difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jaryiah is that the latter’s effects and rewards are continuous and long-lasting, whereas the former, while still highly rewarding, does not have a lasting impact.
Benefits of Sadaqah Jaryiah
Scholars agree that Sadaqah Jaryiah benefits the deceased, and you can offer it on behalf of someone you love to ensure they receive the rewards.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that a man said, “O Messenger of Allah, my mother passed away suddenly and did not leave a will. I think she would have given charity if she could speak. Will she have a reward if I give charity on her behalf?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Yes, give charity on her behalf.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).
Types of Sadaqah Jaryiah
There are no specific types of Sadaqah Jaryiah; anything that has lasting benefits for those in need can be considered Sadaqah Jaryiah. However, some examples include:
- Providing water.
- Building mosques.
- Planting trees.
- Spreading and teaching beneficial knowledge.
- Building hospitals and treatment centers.
Sadaqah Jaryiah for the Deceased
One of the reasons mentioned by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah for alleviating the punishment of a believer is “A believer who commits a sin can have its punishment removed by ten means: repentance, seeking forgiveness, performing good deeds to erase it, having other believers pray for them and ask for forgiveness while alive or dead, or by others dedicating the reward of their deeds to them, which Allah will benefit them with.”
Sadaqah Jaryiah for the deceased falls under the last reason. The best thing you can do for your loved ones who have passed away is to offer Sadaqah with the intention for them, especially Sadaqah Jaryiah, which continues to provide rewards as long as Muslims benefit from it.
Types of Sadaqah Jaryiah for the Deceased
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There are seven actions that will continue to be rewarded after a person’s death: teaching beneficial knowledge, providing water, digging a well, planting a date palm, building a mosque, leaving behind a Quran, or leaving a righteous child who will pray for them.” (Authenticated by al-Albani)
The Hadith outlines various actions you can perform as Sadaqah Jaryiah for those you have lost, such as:
- Planting trees.
- Printing and distributing Qurans.
- Providing water and digging wells.
- Supporting educational projects.
- Performing Hajj or Umrah on behalf of the deceased.
- Contributing to building mosques and places of worship.
- Continuously praying for the deceased.
Sadaqah Jaryiah for Parents
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a person dies, their deeds end except for three: Sadaqah Jaryiah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.”
One of the best acts of piety is to give Sadaqah Jaryiah for your parents, whether they are alive or have passed away, hoping to earn rewards similar to what you have donated. According to the Prophet’s guidance, you can honor your parents either by praying for them or by dedicating a Sadaqah Jaryiah on their behalf, or both. This Sadaqah can be directed towards charitable projects that benefit society.
How Masarat Helps You
Masarat Initiative is a unique project dedicated to supporting students who have dropped out of school in northern Syria due to the ongoing hardships and years of war that have severely impacted the educational and training sectors. This has led to approximately 2.5 million children leaving school to engage in labor that drains their time and childhood.
Given the great benefits of Sadaqah Jaryiah, Masarat offers you the opportunity to contribute to educational projects in northern Syria, which have benefited 31,322 students so far. By supporting these students, you help to plant seeds that will grow over time to become the strong pillars of society.
Contact us now to make a charitable contribution, ensuring that your good deeds bring happiness to your parents, whether alive or receiving Allah’s mercy.
The Virtue and Reward of Sadaqah Jaryiah
Sadaqah Jaryiah is a highly recommended act with immense rewards from Allah. Some of its virtues and rewards include:
Expiation of sins and averting calamities
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord and prevents an ill-fated death.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi)
Continuous rewards until the Day of Judgment
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a person dies, their deeds end except for three: Sadaqah Jaryiah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” (Narrated by Muslim)
Attaining Allah’s pleasure
Charity is among the deeds most beloved to Allah and one of the closest means to earn His pleasure. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Every good deed is charity, and acts of kindness protect one from an ill-fated death.” (Narrated by al-Tabarani)
Blessings in wealth
Sadaqah Jaryiah is a reason for the growth and blessings of wealth. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Narrated by Muslim)
Best Ways and Channels for Sadaqah Jaryiah
There are various forms of Sadaqah Jaryiah, each with a lasting impact. Here are some of the best ways and channels for Sadaqah Jaryiah:
Providing water
One of the most beloved forms of Sadaqah Jaryiah to Allah. The companion Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah (may Allah be pleased with him) asked, “O Messenger of Allah, my mother has died; shall I give charity on her behalf?” He said, “Yes.” Sa’d asked, “Which charity is best?” He said, “Providing water.” (Narrated by Bukhari)
Digging wells
A great charitable act with immense rewards. It alleviates the thirst on the Day of Judgment and carries a reward for every living being those drinks from the well.
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “While a man was walking along a path, he became very thirsty and found a well. He went down into it and drank water, then came out and saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, ‘This dog is suffering from thirst as I did.’ So he went down into the well again, filled his shoe with water, and held it in his mouth while climbing up, and gave the dog water. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him.” They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, is there a reward for us in serving animals?” He said, “There is a reward for every living being.” (Agreed upon)
Building a mosque
Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever builds a mosque seeking Allah’s pleasure, Allah will build for him a similar place in Paradise.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
Sponsoring an orphan student
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a person dies, their deeds end except for three: Sadaqah Jaryiah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.”
Beneficial knowledge includes teaching people, especially those forced to leave it due to circumstances. The one who strives to teach and sponsor them earns great rewards. Thus, Masarat Initiative provides a path for you to participate in this goodness through educational projects and student sponsorships, especially in these blessed days, investing in deeds with long-lasting impacts.
Channels for Sadaqah Jaryiah
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are seven actions that will continue to be rewarded after a person’s death: teaching beneficial knowledge, providing water, digging a well, planting a date palm, building a mosque, leaving behind a Quran, or leaving a righteous child who will pray for them.” (Authenticated by al-Albani)
The channels for Sadaqah Jaryiah according to the Prophet’s guidance in the Hadith are many, and they encompass any good that a person can offer, returning the benefit to the donor before the recipients themselves.
When and How Much Sadaqah Jaryiah Should Be Given?
Islam does not set specific limits on the amount or timing of giving Sadaqah Jaryiah. Whatever you can offer, even if it is little, carries great rewards that Allah multiplies by His mercy.
