What is Sadaqah Jariyah (Ongoing Charity) ?

Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing 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.

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

Let’s dive into the details of Sadaqah Jariyah.

Sadaqah Jariyah Meaning

Sadaqah Jariyah comes from the Arabic words meaning "flowing" or "running" (jariyah) and "charity" (sadaqah). It refers to charity given during one's lifetime that continues to benefit recipients, offering divine reward to the giver even after their death. 

This type of charity is often referred to as “ongoing charity,” “perpetual charity,” or “flowing charity.” The term "ever-flowing charity" captures its unique ability to benefit both the recipient and the donor even after the donor's passing.

Origin of Sadaqah Jariyah

The concept of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity) originates from the practice of waqf.

An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: 

“Ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah) is a form of waqf (endowment).”

(Sharh Muslim 11/85)

This practice of charitable endowment was exemplified in a conversation between ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

When ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) received a share of the fertile land in Khaybar, he asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) how best to utilize it. He said: "O Messenger of Allah! I have been given a share of the orchards of Khaybar, and never have I received wealth dearer to me than this. What do you advise me to do with it?"

The Prophet (peace be upon him) responded: "If you wish, you may freeze it," meaning he could endow it as perpetual charity. In response, ‘Umar dedicated the land to charity, with the condition that it could neither be sold, gifted, nor inherited. 

Its produce was to be distributed among the poor, relatives, slaves, travelers, and guests, all for the sake of Allah. Those who tended to it could eat only a reasonable portion and share with others, but they were not permitted to store any of the produce for future use.”

(Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah

Here are some examples 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. It addresses immediate needs and 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.

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.

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, they 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.

6. Establishing Farmland

Creating farmland enables communities to cultivate food and resources sustainably. This helps address immediate hunger while 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.

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.

10. Donating Religious Material

Distributing religious resources—like Qur’ans or books of supplications—is a lasting form of Sadaqah Jariyah. As long as others continue to read, learn, or benefit from these materials, the person who donated them continues to earn a reward.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned,

"Several good deeds whose rewards continue to benefit a believer even after death. These include sharing beneficial knowledge, leaving behind a righteous child, or gifting a copy of the Qur'an.

Other examples are constructing a mosque, building a shelter for travelers, digging a water channel, or giving charity during one’s lifetime while in good health. All of these acts bring ongoing reward even after a person has passed away."

Narrated by Ibn Majah; classified as Hasan by Al-Mundhiri and Al-Albani.

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.

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ۝

"The example of those who give in the way of Allah SWT is like that of a seed of corn, which sprouts seven ears, and each ear contains a hundred grains. Allah SWT multiplies the reward for whomever He wills. Allah SWT is Self-Sufficient, All-Knowing."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)

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

The following are the differences between the Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah:

To summarize, Sadaqah Jariyah is a powerful and rewarding form of charity in Islam, benefiting both the giver and recipient long after the donor’s life. From its origin in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to enduring acts of kindness—such as building wells, planting trees, and providing education—Sadaqah Jariyah creates a lasting impact. 

The rewards are immense, offering continuous blessings in this life and the Hereafter. The key difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah is that while Sadaqah provides immediate benefits, Sadaqah Jariyah offers ongoing rewards even after the giver's death.

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