What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah Jariyah means ‘voluntary charity. It is sometimes called ‘alms’, which means giving something to someone in need. Sadaqah Jariyah is the act of voluntarily making a long-term charitable contribution that continues to benefit someone other than yourself.
Is Sadaqah the same as Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah is not the same as Sadaqah Jariyah, despite the fact they share a similar name. Sadaqah is the act of giving short-term charity, such as buying a meal for a homeless person which will see them through one day. Sadaqah Jariyah is the act of giving long-term charity, such as donating water well to a community that lacks access to clean water which will support them for months and years to come.
Acts that are Considered as Sadaqah Jariyah
There are many things a Muslim may do that are considered as Sadaqah Jariyah, including:
Sponsoring an orphan – this will benefit the child in the long-term which makes it an act of Sadaqah Jariyah
Providing education for free – education is one of the most powerful gifts a person can give and is something that could change the course of a person’s life forever, making it an act of Sadaqah Jariyah
Giving water – there are many communities around the world that do not have access to clean water, but donating to a water appeal will ensure they are sustained for a long time to come
Planting crops/trees – food-bearing crops, like water, can sustain communities for months and years, therefore qualifying as Sadaqah Jariyah
Build an establishment – when you build a mosque, hospital or school, generations of people will be able to benefit in the long-term
These are just some acts of Sadaqah Jariyah, but anything that benefits someone in need for an extended period of time may be considered Sadaqah Jariyah.
The best Sadaqah Jariyah
Any act of charity is greatly appreciated and pleases Allah (SWT), especially Sadaqah Jariyah which continues to give support to someone who needs it. Whilst this is true, there are some causes that may be considered more of a priority than others, including the act of donating to a water well or planting food-bearing crops. Hunger and thirst are deadly issues that still affect so many people around the world, but every donation towards easing the effects of hunger and thirst has the power to save a life immediately.
Importance Of Charity
It Protects You from Calamity: The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Good Deed That Never Ends: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) 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)." (Muslim)
Shade on the Day of Judgment: The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Protects You from the Hellfire: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
“Protect yourself from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Increases What Allah (SWT) Grants You: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
“Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Charity Elevates Your Status: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
“Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim)
Seek Only Allah (swt)’s Pleasure with Charity: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
“A crafty one, a miser, and one who keeps reminding people of what he has given will not enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)
Don’t Delay in Giving Charity: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,
"Do not show lethargy or negligence in giving alms and charity till your last breath.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Even a smile is charity."
Giving charity is the proof of faith, as those who are close to Allah are always seeking his love through giving.