Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam

In Islam, the concept of Sadaqah Jariyah holds significant importance. It refers to continuous charity, where the benefits of the act continue to accrue long after the initial donation has been made. In essence, Sadaqah Jariyah embodies the idea of leaving a lasting positive impact on society and earning rewards in the Hereafter. In this blog, we we will look at 7 Sadaqah Jariyah examples or projects people donate to.  Before that, let’s have a look at the importance of Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam. In a hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,  ‘When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who prays for him.'” (Sahih Muslim) This hadith highlights the perpetual benefits of certain things, including Sadaqah Jariyah, which continue to benefit the deceased even after they have passed away. It underscores the importance of engaging in deeds that have a lasting positive impact, as they serve as a source of continuous rewards in both this life and the Hereafter.

Sadaqah Jariyah Examples:

Sadaqah Jariyah examples are many and can include various initiatives such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and support for vulnerable groups. Let us look at some of the most popular Sadaqah Jariyah projects that people engage in.

1. Building a Mosque: 

With its towering minarets and serene prayer halls, a mosque stands not just as a place of worship but also serves as a centre for education and spiritual development. It becomes a hub where people gather to learn the Quran, Hadith, and the deen of Allah.  Every prayer offered or lesson taught within the mosque becomes a continuous source of rewards for the donor, even after they have departed this world.  Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlights an additional reward for people who build a mosque when he (saw) said in a hadith narrated from Jabir Bin Abdullah:  “Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, like a sparrow’s nest for Allah or even smaller, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)  

2. Building a Water Well: 

The installation of a water well is not merely an act of charity but a lifeline for entire communities. With each drop drawn from its depths, thirst is quenched, diseases are prevented, prayers are performed and livelihoods are sustained.  When you build a water well, it brings about profound changes in the lives of the community members, and continuous rewards for the donor, earning them rewards in this life and the Hereafter.  The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also reaffirmed the virtue of giving water as a form of charity. He (saw) said: “The best form of charity is giving water to drink.” (Ahmad)  

3. Sponsoring Orphans

Support for orphans extends beyond meeting their material needs; it provides them with love, care, and opportunities for a brighter future.  By sponsoring an orphan’s education, healthcare, and upbringing, donors contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and giving these children a chance at success.  Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) promised people who sponsor an orphan a special reward when he said: “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together.” (Sahih Bukhari)

4. Sponsoring a Hafidh

Reading the Quran is among the noblest and most rewarding acts in Islam. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will receive one good deed as ten good deeds like it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is one letter, but rather Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.”(Tirmidhi) Therefore, when someone learns and memorises the Quran, it will bring enormous rewards and blessings. In addition to that, they play a part in the preservation of the Quran.  Therefore, by sponsoring a Hafidh, you take part in one of the best forms of Sadaqah Jariyah. You also earn continuous rewards for every letter the person learning the Quran recites. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informed us: “Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like one who did it.” (Sahih Muslim) In addition to the rewards mentioned above, you also contribute to the dissemination of the Quran’s teachings and the spiritual growth of the community when a hafidh teaches other people in the community in the future.  

5. Donating Islamic Books

Through donations of Islamic books and literature, the dawah of Islam is spread far and wide. These books serve as valuable resources for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the deen.  Each time someone benefits from these materials, the donor shares in the rewards. The Prophet (saw) said: “Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like one who did it.” (Sahih Muslim) Thus, each book a person donates becomes a beacon of guidance, leading individuals towards righteousness and earning rewards for both the donor and the readers.

6. Sponsoring an Islamic Teacher

Supporting Islamic teachers is an opportunity to uplift those who dedicate themselves to spreading knowledge despite their financial constraints. Many of these teachers, despite facing poverty, selflessly continue to impart wisdom and guidance to the people in their community. Through sponsorship, donors only provide these educators with the means to sustain themselves and enable them to fulfil their noble mission of spreading the Quran and Sunnah.  As a donor, you play a vital role in strengthening the Muslim community’s knowledge of Islam and building a legacy of faith and knowledge that endures for generations.  You will also benefit greatly from this charitable action. You will be rewarded for every good deed that the community acts upon as a result of the knowledge they learn. This is confirmed in the above hadith we mentioned.  

Final thoughts

We hope you found these 7 Sadaqah Jariyah examples useful. These projects are not only a means of fulfilling one’s religious obligations but also a way to make a lasting positive impact on society. By supporting initiatives that bring long-term benefits to communities and individuals, donors can ensure that their contributions continue to generate rewards in this life and the Hereafter.    Find a Sadaqah Jariyah project today and in your akhirah.