What makes Sadaqah Jariyah distinct from other forms of charity?
Sadaqah Jariyah, or ongoing charity in Islam, is distinct from other forms of charity because of the continuous rewards to the donor and the ongoing impact on the recipients. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)." (Sahih Muslim, Book 13, Hadith 4005) So, what makes Sadaqah Jariyah distinct, and what are the benefits of Sadaqah Jariyah, Here are the two main aspects:
Sadaqah Jariyah Enduring Benefit
Unlike one-time acts of charity, Sadaqah Jariyah represents the flowing, running, and ongoing charity in Islam, it provides ongoing benefits. For example, building a water well, funding an educational institution or healthcare center, planting a tree, and helping orphans can benefit people for many years.
The Continuous Rewards of Sadaqah Jariyah
Sadaqah Jariyah is a ceaseless charity, this means that as long as the charitable act continues to benefit others, the donor earns continuous rewards, even after their death. It is a good deed that leaves a lasting impact on people's lives and a great afterlife investment. 6) Share Knowledge: Sharing knowledge is another valuable form of ongoing charity in Islam. If you possess specific skills or expertise, consider teaching them to others. This act can have a lasting and positive impact on their lives.
Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah
It was narrated that Saad bin Ubadah said: "O Messenger of Allah, what charity is best?' He said: 'Giving water to drink.'" Sunan Ibn Majah 3684.
1) Providing Clean Water: Clean water is a basic human need, yet around the world, millions of people are still deprived of it. Providing help in the form of donating or financing the construction of a water well is an example of Sadaqah Jariya that is very rewarding and can change lives for the better.
2) Building mosques: Building mosques as a Sadaqah Jariyah holds an exceptional reward in Sunnah as the Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.” (Sahih Bukhari). This means that as long as the mosque is used for worship and community activities, it also continues to bring blessings to the giver even after their death
3) Orphan support: Helping to provide ongoing care for orphans through education, healthcare, and basic needs is another way to give Sadaqah Jariya.
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I will be like this in Jannah with the person who takes care of an orphan". Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration.
4) publishing a beneficial book: Another form of ongoing charity in Islam is publishing a beneficial book for Muslims to read and benefit from, such as the Qur'an. This also applies to contemporary and classical works as well.
5) Plant a Tree: Planting a tree is a simple yet effective method to give Sadaqa Jariyah. Trees offer shade, improve air quality, and help prevent soil erosion, providing sustainable environmental and community benefits.
How to Incorporate Sadaqah Jariyah into Our Daily Lives
It is easy to include Sadaqah Jariyah in one’s everyday routine and one doesn’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to do so. In fact, it’s the minor acts of kindness that make a difference and can have a ripple effect that goes well beyond our time on this earth.
A Muslim should try to change the objects of his or her charity so as to get blessings from different sources. For instance, you may set apart some of your wealth for the needs of the orphans, another part for the construction of a mosque, and the other part for the dissemination of books and the holy Qur’an and so on.
The Lifelong Rewards of Sadaqah Jariyah
The rewards are not limited to the donor's lifetime. These acts of charity continue to generate rewards as long as they benefit others.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "Whoever starts a good deed and it continues after him will receive rewards as long as it continues." (Sahih Muslim, Book 16, Hadith 33)
It means that each time someone uses the well, learns in the school, or benefits from the tree or from any ongoing charity in Islam, the donor earns rewards.
How Sadaqah Jariyah Benefits the Community
Giving Sadaqah Jariyah often focus on long-term community welfare projects. These projects address ongoing needs and improve the quality of life for many people over time.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy, are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever." (Sahih Bukhari, Book 7, Hadith 262)
Waqf is the best form of Sadaqah Jariyah
The sustainable impact of waqf: The charitable purpose of Islamic Waqf is preserved for generations. Once it is established, it can't be sold, gifted, or inherited, and that is quite different from the immediate relief provided by a one-time donation.
The broad scope of waqf: Waqf can support wider activities that individuals rarely handle alone by Saddaqah, like establishing educational organizations and healthcare centers, social services collaboration, and infrastructure.
Waqf and Community support: Waqf strengthens community bonds by lining up communities for bigger goals that influence the quality of life of the local and wider community and fosters a culture of giving and mutual support.
Religious Significance of waqf: Seen as a way to earn continuous rewards by considering the waqf as (Sadaqah Jariyah) even after one's death. Establishing an Islamic Waqf provides ongoing benefits to ensure that the donor continues to receive spiritual rewards
