Ali Raza
Ali Raza

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

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Sadaqah Jariyah

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Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) is a form of charity that benefits others in this life and rewards us in the hereafter.

It is considered one of the most rewarding actions we can undertake. It allows us to earn rewards both during our lifetime and after we have passed away.

According to hadith of Sadaqah:

“When a person dies, all their deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a child who prays for them.”

(Riyad as-Salihin 1383, Book 12, Hadith 8)

Thus, when you give Sadaqah Jariyah in your name or on behalf of a loved one, the blessings persist even after death.

Let’s explore the types and benefits of Sadaqah Jariyah and the difference between sadaqah and sadaqah jariyah.

Types of Sadaqah Jariyah

Here are nine kinds of Sadaqah Jariyah:

1. Teaching Someone a Valuable Skill

This form of Sadaqah Jariyah empowers individuals with practical skills that can benefit them and their families for years to come. It not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term self-sufficiency and personal development.

2. Building Beneficial Institutions Like Mosques, Schools, or Hospitals

These structures serve as centers for worship, education, and healthcare, providing ongoing benefits to the community. Each prayer offered, patient treated, and lesson learned contributes to the ongoing charity, earning rewards for the donor.

Uthman ibn Affan reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house like it in Paradise.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari: 450; Sahih al-Muslim; 533]

3. Creating Sources of Provision, Such as Wells

Building wells ensures a sustainable source of clean water, which is essential for health, sanitation, and economic development. This act not only addresses immediate needs but also provides ongoing benefits as the well continues to serve the community.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

"The best charity is giving water to drink."

[Ibn Majah]

Providing water is a significant act of charity that brings us closer to Allah (SWT).

4. Imparting Valuable Knowledge Through Books or Lessons

Sharing knowledge about Islam and contributing to education are highly rewarded in Islam. Donating religious books, supporting educational programs, or sharing beneficial knowledge ensures ongoing rewards as individuals learn and pass on the acquired knowledge to others.

5. Planting Trees

Planting fruit trees or other plants is an investment in the environment and community nutrition. The trees bear fruit for years, providing sustenance for people and wildlife, enhancing the ecosystem, and promoting long-term benefits.

Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah's Apostle said,

"There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him."

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

6. Establishing Farmland

Creating farmland enables communities to cultivate food and resources sustainably, addressing immediate hunger and establishing a means of self-sufficiency. This initiative has far-reaching effects and contributes to ongoing charity.

7. Providing Homes or Shelters for People or Animals

Building homes or shelters that withstand the test of time contributes to ongoing charity. These structures provide refuge for individuals or families, ensuring their safety and security, and the rewards for this act continue as long as the shelters serve their purpose.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

“Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself.” 

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

8. Inventing Useful Items for People or Animals

Creating items that serve humanity for good is a broad category of Sadaqah Jariyah. Whether it's a school, hospital, community center, or other beneficial structures, the ongoing rewards extend as long as these facilities benefit people.

9. Sponsoring an Orphan

Sponsoring an orphan is a meaningful form of ongoing charity that not only provides immediate assistance but also invests in their future. By supporting an orphan’s education, you contribute to their personal development and equip them with skills that can uplift their entire family and community. 

Benefits of Sadaqah Jariyah

The benefits of Sadaqah Jariyah, or ongoing charity, are numerous and far-reaching:

1. Eternal Rewards: Sadaqah Jariyah provides endless rewards in this life and the hereafter. Allah promises to record these continuous acts of charity, ensuring that the giver is rewarded even after death.

2. Removal of Hardships and Expiation of Sins: Giving Sadaqah Jariyah can help remove calamities and expiate sins. 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Sadaqah removes the sins of a person just as water extinguishes fire."

3. Social Impact: Sadaqah Jariyah often targets critical societal needs, such as education, healthcare, clean water, and poverty alleviation. By addressing these needs, donations can uplift communities and help break the cycle of poverty.

4. Barakah (Blessings): Giving Sadaqah Jariyah with sincere intention can invite blessings into the lives of the giver and their loved ones. It helps to get closer to Allah and attain His blessings.

5. Fulfillment of Religious Duty: Participating in Sadaqah Jariyah projects is a way to fulfill one's religious duty and earn the pleasure of Allah.

6. Shading by Allah: On the Day of Resurrection, those who gave Sadaqah in secret will find solace under the shade of Allah.

7. Continuous Benefits: Sadaqah Jariyah continues to benefit people long after the giver's death, such as through building mosques, schools, hospitals, or planting trees.

8. Inspiration for Others: Engaging in Sadaqah Jariyah can inspire others to participate in similar acts of kindness, creating a ripple effect of positive change and encouraging a culture of giving.

Difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah are both forms of voluntary charity in Islam, but they have distinct differences:

Category

Sadaqah

Sadaqah Jariyah

Nature

General charity, various forms like money, food, clothing

Ongoing charity, perpetual benefits

Form

One-time donations

Sustainable projects like wells, schools

Duration

Immediate impact

Long-term impact

Timing

Single act

Continual over time

Beneficiaries

Immediate relief, individual or community needs

Long-term community benefits, future generations

Examples

Giving money, providing food or clothing

Building a well, funding education, planting trees

Rewards

Rewarded for specific act

Continuous rewards as benefits accrue

Islamic Perspective

Highly recommended, fulfills general needs

Highly meritorious, creates lasting benefits

Scope

Short-term assistance

Long-term development and sustainability

Donor's Lifetime

Rewards limited to donor's lifetime

Rewards extend beyond donor's lifetime

In conclusion, Sadaqah Jariyah is that ongoing charity that not only wipes away the sins but also adds the barakah in the age of the donor. By understanding the profound benefits of Sadaqah or Sadaqah Jariyah, Muslims are encouraged to participate in this noble act and contribute to the betterment of society and the hereafter. 

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Ali Raza

WRITTEN BY

Ali Raza (Charity and Philanthropy)

Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.

Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.

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