Charity is at the heart of Islamic giving. But there is a special kind of charity that continues to give — sadaqah jariyah. Let’s explore the rewards of continuous charity, how it works, and why every Muslim should consider it as part of their spiritual legacy.

We all know that a Muslim is the one who accepts Islam. He worships Allah alone and accepts no partners with Allah. He must be sure of the fact that there is no power besides Allah. A Muslim follows righteous actions and avoids wrong doings. The life of a Muslim should portray Islamic Akhlaq (discipline) in his actions. His Salah, Sawm, Sadaqa, Hajj, Zakat are all for the sake of Allah and not to please people. Islam teaches us that the best way to lead our lives is by doing everything in moderation.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is sadaqah jariyah?”, you’re asking about one of the most beautiful and selfless concepts in Islam: ongoing charity. Sadaqah jariyah is a type of continuous act of Islamic giving that doesn’t stop when you walk away — its blessings carry on long after the initial deed. The blessings of Allah for charity cannot be measured in numbers.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

 “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).”
(Riyad as-Salihin 1383)

This hadith beautifully defines ongoing charity — a form of charity that keeps earning rewards for you even after death.

Quranic Foundation and Prophetic Teachings

The Qur’an is full of verses encouraging charity and ongoing benefit. While the term “Sadaqah Jariyah” itself may not appear directly, the concept is deeply rooted in Islam.

“Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and do not follow their charity with reminders of their generosity or hurtful words—they will get their reward from their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.”
(Quran 2:262)

“Indeed, those men and women who give in charity and lend to Allah a good loan will have it multiplied for them, and they will have an honourable reward.”
(Quran 57:18)

These verses remind us that every act of ongoing charity becomes a loan to Allah — and Allah promises to multiply it and reward you abundantly.

Why is Sadaqah Jariyah So Valuable?

Here are some major sadaqah benefits that make this form of charity so beloved in Islam:

Eternal Rewards:
This type of Sadaqah offers an everlasting return — as long as people benefit from what you’ve given, your reward continues.

Protection from Hardship:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
    “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”
    (Mishkat al-Masabih 1887)

Community Growth:
Through Sadaqah projects like wells, schools, and shelters, you uplift entire communities for generations.

Spiritual Purification:
Islamic giving teaches humility, detachment from wealth, and compassion for others.

Blessings (Barakah) in Life:
Charity brings inner peace, contentment, and divine blessings in this life and the hereafter.

A Legacy That Lives On:
Every act of ongoing charity you perform is like planting a tree — it grows, shades, and feeds long, even after you’re gone.

Examples of Sadaqah Projects

If you want to start your own sadaqah jariyah, here are impactful examples of Charity projects you can invest in:

• Building or maintaining a mosque or madarsa
  
• Providing clean water wells specially in rural areas where water supply is scarce or none
  
• Supporting Islamic education or Qur’an learning centers or their basic school fees
  
• Sponsoring an orphan’s education
  
• Printing or donating Islamic books (you will be rewarded as long as they read it)
  
• Creating a community clinic or hospital wing especially for those who can’t afford
  
• Planting trees or sustainable farming initiatives
  

Each of these forms of ongoing charity ensures your good deeds keep benefiting others long after you’re gone from this world.

How Does Sadaqah Benefit Me?

You may ask, “How does sadaqah benefit me?” — and it’s a great question. Here’s how this beautiful form of Islamic giving changes your life:

• It extends your good deeds beyond your lifetime. While other good deeds can be performed only when we are alive but it’s not the case with this kind of Sadaqah.
  
• It becomes a source of forgiveness and mercy even after death.
  
• It connects your wealth to something eternal — serving Allah’s cause.
  
• It uplifts your soul, bringing peace and gratitude.
  
• It creates a lasting legacy that continues to benefit others and earns you rewards endlessly.
  

As the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Seven people Allah will give them His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but the Shade of His Throne (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection). One of them is a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given” (Riyad as-Salihin 449)

How to Begin Your Own Sadaqah Jariyah

Starting your sadaqah jariyah doesn’t require much of your wealth — it requires intention to please Allah alone and consistency.

1. Make sincere intentions (niyyah) for ongoing reward.
   
2. Choose sustainable causes — education, health, or environment.
   
3. Contribute regularly, even small amounts.
   
4. Partner with verified organizations like us (Human Guidance and Welfare Centre) for lasting impact.
   
5. Dedicate it on behalf of loved ones (living or deceased).
   

Each act of ongoing charity becomes a seed that continues to grow — benefitting others and securing your place in Jannah, Insha’Allah.

Conclusion

We must remember that we are among the chosen ones as we get the pleasure of giving and helping others and that way we bring Barakah in our lives. How does sadaqah benefit me? For our understanding of the rewards or results of Islamic giving, Allah is giving us an example of a seed of a corn, which grows into a plant. The plant grows into seven ears and each ear has one hundred grains. Each act of charity brings a reward of seven hundred times and much more. Imagine how Allah would reward us for each of our good deeds. In fact, there is no earthly limit to the Blessings of Allah.

We must thank Allah, the almighty for everything he has blessed us with. Be it health, wealth, knowledge or any skill. We are nothing without Allah. Allah blesses in abundance whoever he wants and tests whoever he chooses. We must not forget to ask Allah, indeed Allah loves when we pray to him and ask him everything believing the fact that Allah is the sole provider and he is the one worthy of worship.

 Some people are stingy and miserly. They have money but they do not want to spend it. They don’t contribute to charities. If a needy person approaches them they rebuke him and turn him away. There are also some people who waste their money and spend it on things that they really do not need, which are extravagance. Allah dislikes both kinds of people. We should live moderately spending our money properly on ourselves, for the needy and some part of it to charity. We must trust Allah and do things as per His commands. Our generosity to others does not decrease our wealth but rather, it adds to the Barakah of our lives.

Be part of something everlasting. Begin your sadaqah jariyah journey today —Click here to support verified ongoing charity programs and leave behind a legacy that continues to shine long after you’re gone. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is sadaqah jariyah the same as zakat?

 No, Zakat is obligatory while sadaqah jariyah is voluntary but carries immense spiritual rewards.

Q2. Can I do sadaqah jariyah for someone who passed away?

 Yes, giving sadaqah jariyah on behalf of deceased parents, relatives, or friends is highly encouraged in Islam. The rewards reach them in the Hereafter while you also benefit spiritually from the act of giving.

Q3. What are easy sadaqah jariyah ideas for beginners?

 Planting trees, donating Qur’ans, funding online Islamic courses, or supporting educational apps are simple Sadaqah projects anyone can start.

Q4. How is sadaqah jariyah different from regular sadaqah?

 Regular sadaqah provides one-time or temporary help, while sadaqah jariyah creates lasting benefits that continue over extended periods. Both are valuable, but sadaqah jariyah generates perpetual rewards as long as people benefit from it.

Q5. Does sadaqah jariyah have to be money?

 No. Even sharing beneficial knowledge or resources that continue to help others counts as ongoing charity.

Q6. How does sadaqah protect us from calamities?

 The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that sadaqah stands between the giver and calamity. Charitable giving attracts Allah’s mercy and protection, helps avert hardships, and can ease difficulties when they occur. It serves as both spiritual and practical protection.