Life in this world is temporary. When a person dies, all their deeds come to an end. However, certain noble actions provide rewards that continue even after one has passed away. In Islamic terminology, this source of continuous, flowing reward is known as “Sadaqah Jariyah.” Many people ask, what is Sadaqah Jariyah? It is not only a provision for salvation in the afterlife but also an exceptional means of attaining peace, honor, and the mercy of Allah in this world.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

“Sadaqah Jariyah” is an Arabic term. Specifically, “Sadaqah” means charity, while “Jariyah” means flowing or ongoing. Therefore, the literal meaning of Sadaqah Jariyah is “flowing or ongoing charity.”

In simple terms, Sadaqah Jariyah is any charitable act or public welfare project whose impact remains for a long time. As long as people, animals, or any part of Allah’s creation benefits from that act, the person who initiated it will continue to receive a share of its reward. This happens whether they are alive or resting in their grave. Understanding what is Sadaqah Jariyah helps us see its lasting value.

The most significant evidence for this concept comes from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (continuing charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1631)

The Difference Between Sadaqah Jariyah and General Charity

All forms of charity are acts of virtue, but not all charity qualifies as Sadaqah Jariyah. For instance, a donation with an immediate benefit, such as giving money or food to a person in need, is an excellent form of sadaqah. However, it is not Jariyah because its benefit is consumed at once.

In contrast, the reward for Sadaqah Jariyah is continuous. Islamic scholars, such as Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him), have cited “Waqf” as the ultimate example. A Waqf involves permanently dedicating an asset, like land or a building, for the sake of Allah. As a result, people can enjoy its benefits for generations.

The Benefits of Sadaqah Jariyah

The Quran and Hadith speak of the immense importance and benefits of Sadaqah Jariyah. This form of charity provides numerous virtues for a believer.

Endless Rewards: Firstly, good deeds continue to be added to one’s record even after death. Consequently, this can become a means of salvation in the grave and on the difficult Day of Judgment.
Forgiveness of Sins and Elevation of Status: Furthermore, this charity leads to the forgiveness of sins and a higher status in the hereafter. Allah Ta’ala says:
- إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتْلُونَ كِتَـٰبَ ٱللَّهِ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنفَقُوا۟ مِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً يَرْجُونَ تِجَـٰرَةً لَّن تَبُورَ
  “Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend [in His cause] out of what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, can expect a transaction [i.e., profit] that will never perish.”
  (Surah Fatir, 35:29)
Protection from Calamities: Additionally, charity acts as a shield against hardships, trials, and tribulations in this worldly life.
Attaining the Pleasure of Allah: Finally, selflessly working for the welfare of others is one of the best ways to earn the pleasure and closeness of Allah. The many benefits of Sadaqah Jariyah make it a cherished act.

Types of Sadaqah Jariyah in Light of the Quran and Hadith

The scope for Sadaqah Jariyah is incredibly vast. Regarding which deeds continue to benefit a believer after death, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“The rewards that will reach a believer after his death are: knowledge which he taught and spread, a righteous son whom he leaves behind, a copy of the Qur’an that he leaves as a legacy, a mosque that he built, a house that he built for wayfarers, a canal that he dug, or charity that he gave from his wealth in his health and life. [These] will reach him after his death.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 242)

Based on this hadith and other narrations, we can explore some of the most notable types of Sadaqah Jariyah below:

1. Spreading Knowledge and Aiding Education

Spending for the Quran: Printing and distributing the Quran is a superior form of Sadaqah Jariyah. Similarly, establishing and funding a madrasa for Quranic education offers immense rewards.
Building Educational Institutions: This includes establishing schools, colleges, or madrasas for beneficial religious or worldly knowledge.
Donating Useful Books: People can purchase and donate Islamic or other useful books to a library, allowing others to gain knowledge.

2. Building Mosques and Places of Worship

Building a house of Allah or contributing to its maintenance is included as Sadaqah Jariyah. As long as people worship in that mosque, the builder will continue to earn a reward.

3. Developing Public Welfare Infrastructure

Establishing Hospitals: This involves building hospitals or clinics to provide free or low-cost healthcare to people with low-income
Constructing Roads and Bridges: Building or repairing roads and bridges facilitates public movement and brings ongoing rewards.
Building Shelters for Travelers: Constructing inns or rest houses offers comfort to travelers and wayfarers.
Establishing Orphanages: This means building and running orphanages to provide a safe home and quality education for parentless children.

4. Providing Access to Clean Water

Giving water is an excellent charity. If this provision is made permanent, it transforms into Sadaqah Jariyah. For example, one could install a hand pump, dig a well, or create a pond for people and animals.

5. Planting Trees

Planting a tree that provides fruit or shade is a beautiful example of Sadaqah Jariyah. For as long as people and animals benefit from it, the planter will receive a reward.

6. Raising a Pious Child

Raising a child with good moral character is a vital responsibility that also falls under Sadaqah Jariyah. Indeed, a righteous child prays for their parents, and Allah accepts their prayers, which elevates the parents’ status after death. The various types of Sadaqah Jariyah offer everyone a chance to earn rewards.

built a tube well and is teaching the recitation of the Quran.

Gunah Jariyah: A Warning Against Ongoing Sin

The exact opposite of Sadaqah Jariyah is “Gunah Jariyah,” or a flowing sin. While we learn what is Sadaqah Jariyah, we must also be aware of its opposite. If a person introduces an evil practice that leads others to sin, a share of that sin will be recorded in their book of deeds. This continues as long as that evil exists. Examples include spreading indecency or establishing a system based on interest (riba).

Conclusion

Sadaqah Jariyah is the best investment for the hereafter. A person does not need to be a millionaire to participate. In fact, a small donation made with a sincere intention can bring an immense reward from Allah. It could be as simple as planting a sapling, donating a Quran, or contributing a single brick to a mosque. This is the essence of what is Sadaqah Jariyah.

Therefore, let us not be engrossed in the allure of this fleeting life. Instead, let us prepare for the eternal life to come by engaging in noble deeds, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the endless rewards He has promised. May Allah grant us all the ability to do so. Ameen.