Sadaqah Jariyah
Giving charity is one of the most revered acts in Islam, it has a profound impact upon the lives of both the giver and the recipient. Among the various forms of Islamic charity, Sadaqah Jariyah stands as a beautiful act that offers ongoing rewards and blessings for the giver.
Sadaqah Jariyah, or “ongoing charity” in English, is a form of voluntary charity in Islam that provides ongoing reward and benefits even after a person dies. It encompasses acts of continuous charity that persist beyond the lifetime of the giver. Unlike regular Sadaqah, which typically provides immediate benefits, Sadaqah Jariyah has a lasting impact.
Sadaqah Jariyah Projects
During the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah certain acts of worship hold great importance and significance. Among these acts are Tahmeed, Tahleel, and Tasbeeh, and Takbir which are forms of Dhikr (remembrance) and glorification of God. These acts play a vital role in deepening faith and fostering a profound connection with the Almighty during this blessed period.
Sustainable Water Projects
The blessed Messenger of Allah (SAW), Prophet Muhammad said that the best charity is giving clean water to drink. This is the main reason why one of the most common Sadaqah Jariyah projects is building water wells. By providing clean drinking water, these wells are vital for the communities for which they are built. Not only is the water used for drinking, families grow food and raise their livestock using this water. These sustainable water projects are often the only source of clean water. By providing this lifeline for the needy, the giver is able to receive an ongoing reward from Allah (SWT) that continues for as long as the well is in use.
Education
Supporting educational initiatives and spreading beneficial knowledge are powerful forms of Sadaqah Jariyah. Funding schools, libraries, or scholarship programs enables individuals to gain an education from which benefit is gained. Educating a child who prays and seeks wisdom can have an enduring positive impact.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Investing in healthcare projects, medical facilities, or providing medical supplies can make a significant difference in saving lives and promoting well-being. Access to quality healthcare contributes to a healthier society and serves as charity, giving continuous ongoing rewards to the one who donated.
Infrastructure and Community Development
Investing in sustainable projects that enhance infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public facilities, can benefit entire communities for generations, providing endless rewards for the donor. These projects enable economic growth, improve living conditions, and create opportunities for people to thrive in life.
Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation
Initiatives that aim to alleviate poverty, support vulnerable individuals, or provide assistance to those in need are forms of Sadaqah Jariyah. Donations to charitable organisations that provide food, new clothes, shelter, and financial support enable ongoing rewards and help create a brighter future for the less fortunate for generations to come.
Planting Trees and Gardens
Supporting environmental initiatives, such as planting fruit trees (often an olive tree) and creating gardens, is another form of Sadaqah Jariyah. Just as a seed grows into a tree that provides shade, sustenance, and beauty, the rewards of such acts continue to grow as others benefit for years to come.
Spreading the Holy Qur'an
Printing and distributing copies of the Qur'an, establishing Qur'an learning centres, or supporting programs that teach Quranic recitation and understanding are forms of Sadaqah Jariyah. The knowledge gained brings continuous reward to those who donate.
These sustainable projects enable us to provide benefits for both the living, and deceased loved ones, through ongoing reward. Giving Sadaqah Jariyah is a beautiful act of compassion and generosity that can provide life changing resources for poor communities and future generations.
The Virtues of Sadaqah Jariyah
Giving Sadaqah Jariyah is a compassionate act of selfless giving. The significance of Sadaqah Jariyah is illustrated in the following hadith. By the authority of Abu Hurairah (RA), Prophet Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:
"When a person dies his deeds come to an end, except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), or knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for them." - [Sahih Muslim]
This enlightening hadith shows us the power of Sadaqah Jariyah, and how it is one of the only acts that allows the giver to receive countless rewards after their passing. It is one of the most rewarding acts that a Muslim can undertake in life.
The profound nature of the fact that when a person dies his deeds come to end, except for three deeds highlights the importance of these good deeds. Giving Sadaqah Jariyah is just as important as having a righteous child who prays for you, or disseminating beneficial knowledge, this illustrates the power of Sadaqah Jariyah as a form of ongoing charity.
"Example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, is like a grain of corn which grows seven ears, and each ear a hundred grains. And Allah gives manifold to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing." - [Surah Al-Baqarah, Qur'an]
In this compelling passage of the Holy Qur'an, Allah tells us the significance of giving charity and the reward that it brings. Human beings who enact good deeds and show long term kindness will receive countless rewards.
The Power of Sadaqah Jariyah
When a Muslim gives charity they are changing lives, entire communities, and families. If this charity is given to a Sadaqah Jariyah project, the benefits of the recipients are ongoing, just like the rewards that the giver receives. Even simple good deeds such as making a single donation, or a simple act such as planting olive trees, can have life changing effects on families and communities for generations to come.
Sadaqah Jariyah is a powerful form of ongoing charity that makes a difference to the lives of many and provides continuous reward to the giver even after the person dies. This beautiful form of giving helps communities and allows the giver to gain reward and ongoing blessings. A single Sadaqah Jariyah donation has the potential of changing lives in a meaningful way.
By contributing to Sadaqah Jariyah projects that address societal needs such as education, healthcare, and community development, we ensure that our generosity continues to benefit people, creating a legacy of compassion and positive change.