Can I give sadaqah on behalf of someone still alive?
Yes, you can give sadaqah on behalf of someone who is still alive, such as a parent, spouse or child, and most scholars say they receive the reward, by Allah's grace. You lose nothing yourself: you are still rewarded for your generosity. Many people do this for sick relatives or non-practising family.
What scholars say
Most discussion of "giving on behalf of" is about the dead, and the hadith there is clear (see below). For the living, the Hanafi and Hanbali schools state openly that you may give the reward of a good deed like charity to anyone, alive or dead. Many Maliki and Shafi'i scholars agree for charity in particular, because it is a gift of money and money can be given for someone. A few scholars felt the living should do their own good deeds, but even they don't call it wrong to give and make dua for them.
Evidence used
- Sacrifice for the living: the Prophet ﷺ sacrificed a ram and said, "In the name of Allah, O Allah, accept it from Muhammad, the family of Muhammad and the nation of Muhammad" (Sahih Muslim 1967). Most of those he named were alive.
- Acts done for a living person: he allowed a woman to perform Hajj for her elderly father who was alive but unable to travel (Sahih al-Bukhari 1513).
- Charity for the dead: when Sa'd ibn Ubadah asked if giving charity for his late mother would benefit her, the Prophet ﷺ said yes (Sahih al-Bukhari 2756). See Can I give charity on behalf of someone who died?
Common reasons people do it
- A sick relative: giving charity with the hope that Allah eases their illness is a widespread practice.
- Non-Muslim parents: many converts give for their parents' wellbeing in this life and make dua for their guidance. See What dua can I make for my parents?
- Children: parents often give charity in their baby's name, or in thanks for a safe birth or exam result.
- Someone who asked you to: if they give you their money to donate, you are simply their agent, and that is allowed by everyone.
Zakat is different
Zakat is an obligation on the person whose wealth it is. You can pay someone's zakat for them from your own money only with their knowledge and permission, since it needs their intention. Voluntary sadaqah needs no such permission.
- Most scholars allow sadaqah on behalf of a living person.
- The Prophet ﷺ sacrificed on behalf of his family and his whole nation.
- You keep your own reward too.
- Paying someone's zakat needs their permission; sadaqah does not.
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