Sadaqah Jariyah is a type of ongoing charity, where the rewards continue to benefit the giver even after they have passed away. The word “Sadaqah” translates to charity, while “Jariyah” means flowing or continuous, indicating that this form of charity has a lasting impact that keeps on giving.
Sadaqah Jariyah is often regarded as one of the highest forms of charity because it benefits not only the immediate recipient but also many others over time. You don’t need vast wealth to participate in Sadaqah Jariyah; even small, thoughtful contributions can leave a lasting legacy.
10 Sadaqah Jariyah Ideas
Here are simple and practical ideas for Sadaqah Jariyah that you can start today!
1. Planting Trees
Planting a tree is a simple but enriching way to engage in Sadaqah Jariyah. Trees offer shade, food, and oxygen, benefiting people, animals, and the environment for many years.
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) 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 2320
How to start: Plant trees in your backyard, donate to reforestation projects or support community gardening initiatives.
2. Providing Clean Water
Access to clean water is a fundamental need that millions of people worldwide still do not have. Supporting well-digging initiatives or contributing to water projects provides a lasting source of benefit. Undoubtedly, this Sadaqah Jariyah idea is one of the best examples that lasts for a long time.
It was narrated that Sad bin Ubadah said:
I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what charity is best?’ He said: ‘Giving water to drink.’ – Sunan Ibn Majah 3684 (Grade: Da’if (Darussalam))
How to start: Donate to organizations that install wells or water pumps in remote areas, or contribute to local clean water initiatives.
3. Sharing Knowledge
Offering valuable information is considered one of the most effective ways to contribute to Sadaqah Jariyah. Whether it is teaching someone a skill, ineluctably passing on Islamic knowledge, or creating materials that can help people learn, this will benefit future generations.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased). – Sahih Muslim 1631
How to start: Offer free tutoring, donate books, or fund online educational platforms. Sharing Quranic knowledge is especially rewarding.
4. Supporting the Building of Mosques
One of the most impactful ways to engage in Sadaqah Jariyah is by supporting the construction or upkeep of mosques. By contributing to the construction or enhancement of a Masjid, individuals can secure ongoing rewards.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah would build for him a similar place in Paradise.” – Sahih al-Bukhari 450
How to start: Donate to a mosque project, provide prayer mats or Quran, or help maintain the cleanliness of your local mosque.
5. Donating to Islamic Schools and Libraries
Another great Sadaqah Jariyah idea is to donate to Islamic institutions. Education is a cornerstone of personal and communal development. By supporting Islamic schools or libraries, we can ensure that future generations have access to both Islamic teachings and secular education.
How to start: Sponsor a child’s education, donate to build libraries, or provide Islamic books and educational materials to schools.
6. Sponsoring Orphans
Caring for orphans is an incredibly fulfilling act of kindness. By supporting their well-being and education, you foster a positive impact that extends far beyond just one life.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 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 al-Bukhari 6005
How to start: Support orphanages, pay for their education, or regularly donate to organizations caring for orphans.
7. Supporting the Sick and Needy
Assisting people with medical care, food, or shelter represents a continuous form of charity. Offering resources that enhance lives creates a lasting difference.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (striver) in the cause of Allah.” – Sahih al-Bukhari 6007
How to start: Contribute to healthcare charities, provide medical supplies, or fund clinics in underserved areas.
8. Distributing Qurans and Islamic Literature
Providing Qurans or Islamic literature to others spreads the word of Allah and increases their understanding of Islam. Every time someone reads or learns from it, you earn rewards.
How to start: Donate Qurans to mosques, Islamic centers, or individuals who need them. Fund translations of Islamic books in other languages.
9. Setting Up Digital Sadaqah Jariyah
In today’s digital age, online platforms can serve as powerful tools for spreading beneficial knowledge and resources. If you’re a developer, then try building an app or a website to spread Islamic awareness. If you’re not a tech person then you can take advantage of social media and WhatsApp. For example, if you find any image or article related to Hadith or any Qur’anic verse, you can use social media to share it.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence. Sahih al-Bukhari 3461
How to start: Support Islamic apps, websites, or YouTube channels that educate others about Islam. You could also create or fund e-books and educational videos.
10. Investing in Public Amenities
Providing public services like benches, lamps, or waste bins helps everyone who uses them, creating an ongoing benefit.
How to start: Donate to local municipalities, place benches in parks, or fund solar lights in rural areas.
Why Get Involved in These Sadaqah Jariyah Ideas From Today?
The rewards for Sadaqah Jariyah begin immediately and extend into the Hereafter. It is a guaranteed investment for the Hereafter. Unlike worldly possessions or achievements, which fade and perish, the rewards of Sadaqah Jariyah are everlasting. When you contribute to something that benefits others for generations to come, it’s like you’ve made a long-term investment in your afterlife.
Allah says in the Quran:
The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing. Quran 2:261
Conclusion
Sadaqah Jariyah is a gift that keeps on giving, providing benefits to others, and securing your rewards in the Hereafter. Moreover, you can give Sadaqah without money, by planting a tree, donating a Quran, or teaching someone a beneficial skill. Amazingly, the donor earns multiple benefits of Sadaqah, like seeking forgiveness for sins and increasing wealth and blessings.
As we have gone through various Sadaqah Jariyah ideas, which one are you going to start with? May Allah guide us to acts of continuous charity and accept our efforts. Ameen.
