What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
A charity that is continuous and ongoing is referred to as sadaqah jariyah. It is one of the most satisfying things a person can do in their entire life. Since the advantages of giving to this kind of charity can be repaid in this lifetime and even after one has passed away. This makes it one of the most fulfilling things a person can do.
As Muslims, we have always believed that our time on this earth is brief and that we must one day return to Allah (SWT) after death.
Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allāh a goodly loan – it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward. [Surah Al-Hadid; Verse 18]
The importance of Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam
Sadaqah Jariyah is a way to earn rewards even after death. It is mentioned in a Hadith that:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,
“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity, knowledge by which people derive benefit, a pious son who prays for him.” [Muslim]
Therefore, the benefits remain even after death when you make a charitable donation in your or a loved one’s name.
Spending money on charitable causes isn’t typically associated with a return on investment, but Allah (SWT) promises that if we provide Sadaqah, he will enhance our prosperity, nourishment, and success in this life and the Hereafter.
Six easy ways to earn continuous rewards in Islam | Sadaqah Jariyah
Sadaqah Jariyah has huge and never-ending benefits. Let’s all try to be part of such acts of charity in the name of Allah.
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Gift someone a Quran:
Gift someone a Quran and earn a reward every time someone else reads from it.
“Whoever recites a letter from Allah’s (SWT) Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi]
So, it says that each time someone reads even just one letter of the Quran we gave them, they will get ten rewards. Even after we die, the good deed will still be done, and we will still get our reward. Inshallah
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Buy something useful for a mosque:
All over the world, there are a lot of mosques. Many acts of kindness go into building a mosque. Someone can give a large amount of money to help build a mosque. Someone can pay for a certain number of prayer spots by giving money. We can get the same reward by giving things needed to our local mosque. The best way is to go to a mosque and talk to an imam about it.
- comfortable prayer mats
- Prayer wears for women
- Akhtar posters for after salah
- Signs for mosque entry and exit du’as
- Translated Qur’an
- Chairs for praying
- Fans or an air conditioner
- Water dispenser
- A microphone and speakers for calling the adhan
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Sponsor a child or an orphan:
In Islam, a child who has lost their father is often called an orphan.
In Islam, taking care of orphans is an essential thing to do. Allah talked about orphans at least 25 times in the Qur’an, which shows their importance. Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) told us how good it is to take care of an orphan.
One of the most significant sayings of our Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is:
“the one who cares for an orphan, and myself will be together in Paradise like this’ and he held his two fingers together to illustrate.” [Bukhari]
Since Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an orphan as a child, caring for orphans was very important to him. And as Muslims and followers of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we must take care of the orphan and help them as much as we can.
Supporting an orphan is the ultimate form of continuous charity
Sadaqah jariyah, which means “continuous charity,” is best shown by taking care of an orphan.
“upon this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you ˹O Prophet˺ concerning orphans. Say, “Improving their condition is best. And if you partner with them, they are bonded with you ˹in faith˺.1 And Allah knows who intends harm and who intends good. Had Allah willed, He could have made it difficult for you.2 Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”
Therefore, As Muslims, we should do what we can to help and be kind to orphans.
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Spreading beneficial knowledge
No matter what you teach someone, whether they pay you for it or not, you will be rewarded in this world and the next.
Teach someone Surah al-Fatiha
At least seventeen times a day, Muslims say the Surah al-Fatiha. Multiply this number by the number of letters in the Surah, which is over a hundred. Then multiply this number by ten, which is the reward for reciting the Qur’an.
“The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn and teach the Qur’an.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
The benefits are endless! Let’s leave this knowledge to our children, younger siblings, or a new Muslim by teaching them this easy and important Surah. If that person teaches it to others, our reward may grow even more. All of this depends on how many good things we do, which has nothing to do with how long we are on earth. Don’t forget that Allah subnahu was ta’la (may He be praised and exalted) is Al-Wahhab and can give as much as He wants!
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Donate a wheelchair to a hospital | Sadaqah Jariyah
A person with a disability will be less reliant on others and have more freedom to move around if someone gives them a wheelchair as a gift. This wonderful gift offers freedom to someone who would otherwise have to depend on others to be able to move around.
Each time a sick person uses it, you gain a reward.
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Plant a tree| Sadaqah Jariyah
You gain a reward whenever a person or animal sits in its shade or eats from it.
“Rasulullah (SAW) said, “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift for him” -Al-Bukhari.
May Allah SWT give us all Jannatul Ferdous, reward us for our good deeds, and forgive us for our mistakes. Ameen
Sadaqah Jariyah For Parents
Is it permissible to offer Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of your parents? Yes, you can indeed give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of your parents, whether they are alive or deceased. The Hadith by Abu Huraira (R.A) states, “When a person passes away, their deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), knowledge from which people benefit, or a righteous child who prays for them” (Muslim).
One of the virtuous deeds that continues to benefit you and your loved ones in the hereafter is Sadaqah Jariyah. Thus, whether your parents are living or have passed away, making a contribution to Sadaqah Jariyah is a beautiful way to honor and remember them.
Rights of Parents in Islam After Their Demise:
In Islam, it is forbidden to mistreat one’s parents, and their rights must be upheld even after their passing. Treating parents with kindness and respect is of utmost importance. The Prophet (PBUH) has emphasized that ill-treatment of parents is a grave sin. Since parents do so much for their children, reciprocating their kindness is a solemn obligation.
Hadith on Sadaqah Jariyah for Parents:
Sadaqah Jariyah is the highest form of charity, providing enduring benefits. Giving Sadaqah Jariyah for your parents is a way to honor them in the Hereafter.
Sadaqah Jariyah is an Investment for the Hereafter:
In our lives, we allocate considerable resources, time, and effort to achieve various aspirations and goals. We work hard to secure a prosperous future for ourselves. However, it’s crucial to remember that investing in the Hereafter yields the greatest returns, both for the present and for the long term, even after our parents have passed away.
Giving Charity for Deceased Parents:
One Hadith underscores the importance of Sadaqah Jariyah for a deceased person, highlighting it as one of the most advantageous deeds you can undertake on their behalf.
Righteous Offspring and Sadaqah Jariyah:
If a person has pious children, their good deeds will continue to accrue blessings, whether or not they intend to conduct isaal sawaab (transferring the reward to the deceased). Having virtuous children is akin to planting a tree that keeps bearing fruit, benefiting the one who planted it even after their demise.
Forms of Sadaqah Jariyah For Parents:
There are various forms of Sadaqah Jariyah that you can support, such as constructing schools, hospitals, water wells, orphanages, and farms. Among these, providing access to clean water is considered one of the most significant forms of Sadaqah Jariyah. You can contribute to Sadaqah Jariyah for your parents through:
1. Building a school: Both you and your parents will be rewarded for the knowledge shared and the benefits generated in that institution.
2. Establishing a water source: Whether by digging a well, installing a fountain, or providing a clean water supply to people, every use of the water will continue to yield rewards for you and your parents.
3. Supporting the construction of a mosque, school, or hospital: Assisting in building places of worship, education, or healthcare facilities offers lasting benefits to others and rewards for you and your parents.
4. Performing Umrah and Hajj: You can perform Umrah and Hajj on behalf of your parents, but you should first undertake these pilgrimages for yourself.
5. Assisting orphaned children, students, or Quranic scholars: Supporting a student studying under a Hafiz is one of the noblest forms of Sadaqah Jariyah. As long as the giver is alive, Allah will continue to bless them. If the benefactor had educated others before their passing, their students will continue to reap the rewards.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Sadaqah Jariyah is a remarkable and perpetual form of charity. Projects related to Sadaqah Jariyah provide ongoing assistance to those in need. You can give Sadaqah Jariyah for your parents in various ways, as mentioned above, and both you and your parents will share in the rewards of this charitable act.