Everything You Need to Know About Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah Jariyah is also known as ‘ongoing charity,’ and it refers to acts of charity that continue to benefit both the recipient and giver, even after we have passed away. The concept of ongoing charity, or Sadaqah Jariyah, is rooted in Islamic teachings and is considered to be a highly rewarding form of charity. This is because the benefits of charity continue to accrue even after our death, resulting in ongoing good deeds and rewards in the afterlife. 

Sadaqah Jariyah is not limited to large-scale projects. Small acts of kindness and generosity, such as sponsoring an orphan, sharing knowledge, or volunteering at a charity, can also be considered Sadaqah Jariyah as these acts benefit others in the present and well into the future. 

Sadaqah Jariyah encompasses many actions, from donating towards education projects and building community centres to planting trees and even small acts of kindness that have an ongoing positive impact.  

Difference between Sadaqah and Zakat 

Sadaqah and Zakat are both forms of Islamic charity, but they have distinct differences in their purpose and requirements. 

Sadaqah is a voluntary act of giving to those in need. It is not limited to a specific amount or percentage of one’s wealth. It can be given at any time and in any form, such as money, food, or clothing. Sadaqah is considered a good deed and can be given to anyone in need, including those who are not Muslim. 

Zakat, on the other hand, is a mandatory act of giving a specific percentage (usually 2.5%) of one’s wealth to specific groups of people, such as the poor, orphans, and those in need. It is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is required of all adult Muslims who meet a certain wealth threshold. The specific guidelines for determining who is eligible to receive Zakat and how much should be given are outlined in Islamic teachings and may vary based on a person’s occupation and circumstances. 

Origin of Sadaqah Jariyah  

The origin of Sadaqah Jariyah can be traced back to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. In one Hadith, the Prophet is reported to have said, ‘When a person dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: ongoing charity, a knowledge that benefits others, and a righteous child who prays for him.’ This Hadith highlights the importance of charitable acts that continue to benefit others even after the donor has passed away. 

 In today’s development sector, Sadaqah Jariyah can be considered the equivalent of ‘sustainable development,’ which is something that has been promoted by Islam for over 1400 years. Like sustainable development, Sadaqah Jariyah focuses on helping others to help themselves rather than simply giving them handouts. It aims to empower people to improve their own lives, rather than simply providing them with temporary assistance. 

Types of Sadaqah Jariyah 

The act and deeds of charity are mentioned in several Sadaqah Jariyah ahadith in Islam. These voluntary charity acts are considered so tremendous that their rewards flow beyond the donor’s lifetime,  as long as other people continue to benefit from their deeds. For the continuous rewards to benefit the deceased in the Hereafter, many people decide to carry out deeds of Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of their sick or deceased loved ones. 

Building an institution of good   

One common example of Sadaqah Jariyah is the act of building an institution of good, including a mosque, community centre, school or hospital. These structures provide a place to worship, build community cohesion,  gain education or seek medical treatment for generations to come. The benefits of these buildings continue to be felt long after they have been constructed. 

Caring for orphans and vulnerable children 

In the Islamic faith, caring for vulnerable children and orphans is highly encouraged, praised and rewarded.  Islam holds sponsoring a child or orphan as one of the most greatest and most noble acts a person can do in this life – bringing immense reward in this life and the Hereafter.  

From an Islamic perspective, sponsoring an orphan or child means assuming full responsibility for the complete care, wellbeing and education of a child, not just meeting basic needs such as food, water and shelter. 

Today’s youth will shape tomorrow’s world and giving a vulnerable child a happy, healthy and secure upbringing will ensure the success of future generations. 

Providing Education 

Another example of Sadaqah Jariyah is sponsoring a child’s education. By providing a child with an education, they are given the tools they need to succeed in life and positively impact their community. This act of charity continues to benefit the child and their community long after the donation has been made. 

Education-related donations are among the most well-liked forms of Sadaqah Jariyah because they provide innumerable benefits for years to come by safeguarding the future of a child, their family, and even the local community. 

Planting Trees 

Planting trees is also considered to be a form of Sadaqah Jariyah. Trees provide many benefits to the environment and the community, including clean air, shade, and food. By planting a tree, an individual is making a long-term investment in the wellbeing of their community and the planet. 

Providing Clean Water 

Another act of Sadaqah Jariyah is providing clean water to a community. Clean water is essential for survival, and by providing a community with access to clean water, you are helping to improve the health and wellbeing of those in need. This act of Sadaqah Jariyah continues to benefit a community long after the initial donation has been made. 

Currently, there are approximately 844 million people globally who do not have any access to clean, safe drinking water. One of the ways we can overcome this is by giving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) construction projects water. These include the construction of water pumps, filtration systems and water wells to provide people in need access to clean, safe, and sanitary water. These acts are considered Sadaqah Jariyah because they not only improve the community’s health but also help to alleviate poverty as individuals no longer have to spend a significant amount of their time and resources obtaining water from distant sources. 

Furthermore, Sadaqah Jariyah also includes acts of kindness that may not require monetary donations, such as volunteering at a homeless shelter, teaching a skill, or mentoring a young person. These acts of kindness and support can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of those who receive them and can help improve the community’s overall wellbeing. 

Conclusion 

Individuals, organisations, and businesses can carry out  Sadaqah Jariyah in many ways. Businesses can also choose to engage in sustainable and socially responsible practices, such as reducing their carbon footprint, providing fair wages and benefits to employees, or supporting local communities through charitable initiatives. Sadaqah Jariyah is a broad concept that encompasses a wide range of acts of charity that continue to benefit individuals, communities, and the planet long after the initial act of charity has been performed. These acts can include building community centres, and schools, providing education and clean water, microloans, volunteering, mentoring, and sustainable practices by companies. By engaging in Sadaqah Jariyah, individuals and organisations are making meaningful contributions to the wellbeing of their communities, society in general and the world.