In a world full of changing circumstances and growing needs for compassion and solidarity, sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity) remains one of the most beloved acts of worship and the closest way to draw near to Allah. It is a deed whose blessings do not end — a flowing river of good deeds and a guaranteed path to divine pleasure. Islamic texts emphasize the unique status and immense reward of sadaqah jariyah in both this life and the hereafter.
What Is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah jariyah refers to any charitable act that continues to benefit others after the donor’s death — such as building a mosque, digging a well, spreading knowledge, or supporting education.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“When a human being dies, all of his deeds are terminated except for three types: an ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
(Muslim)
This hadith clearly shows that sadaqah jariyah is among the deeds that continue to earn reward even after death, making it one of the most beloved actions to Allah.
The Virtue of Charity in the Qur’an
Charity is mentioned frequently in the Qur’an, highlighting its noble status:
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Allah says:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that grows seven ears; in every ear is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [the reward] for whom He wills.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)
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Allah also says:
“Those who spend their wealth [in Allah’s cause] by night and by day, in secret and in public – they will have their reward with their Lord.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:274)
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And He says:
“Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:110)
Charity in the Sunnah
In addition to the well-known hadith about deeds that continue after death, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned many other virtues of charity:
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The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Protect yourselves from Hell-fire even by giving half of a date in charity. If you cannot find that, then [say] a kind word.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
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Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Which of you loves the wealth of his heirs more than his own wealth?” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, there is none among us but loves his own wealth more.” He said: “His wealth is that which he sends ahead (in charity), and the wealth of his heirs is what he leaves behind.”
(Bukhari)
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The Prophet ﷺ also said:
“Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.”
(Tirmidhi)
Why Is Sadaqah Jariyah Among the Most Beloved Deeds to Allah?
1. Ongoing and Multiplied Reward
Sadaqah jariyah continues to produce rewards as long as people benefit from it. Allah says:
“If you lend Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you.”
(Surah At-Taghabun, 64:17)
2. It Fulfills Community Needs and Builds Societies
Whether it’s building a school, medical center, or providing clean water, sadaqah jariyah helps lift entire communities out of poverty and hardship.
Powerful Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah
| Type of Charity Project | Lasting Impact |
|---|---|
| Building a Mosque | Worship, prayer, remembrance, and learning for generations |
| Digging a Water Well | Provides clean, safe drinking water to deprived communities |
| Sponsoring an Orphan | Full care for a child: food, education, emotional and spiritual growth |
| Printing Qur’ans or Books | Spreads knowledge and guidance for future generations |
| Supporting Education | Develops educated generations who uplift their nations |
| Endowment Fund (Waqf) | Sustainable investment that generates annual returns for ongoing projects |
How to Start Your Sadaqah Jariyah?
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Choose a cause that touches your heart: Whether it’s education, water, food, Qur’anic printing, or orphan care.
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Find a trusted organization that implements sustainable endowment-based projects.
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Make your intention purely for Allah, and hope for His immense reward.
Sadaqah Jariyah After Death
When people pass away, their actions cease — but those who leave behind a sadaqah jariyah leave behind a legacy of light.
Every prayer performed in a mosque they helped build, every drop of water from a well they funded, every verse recited from a Qur’an they printed — all of it continues adding to their scale of good deeds.
The International Waqf Fund (IWF)
Unlike many other charitable organizations, the International Waqf Fund (IWF) invests your donations into long-term waqf assets. The returns from these investments are used to support sustainable projects like education, emergency relief, and seasonal aid year after year — making your charity enduring and impactful.
