What is sadaqah jariyah?
Sadaqah jariyah is "ongoing charity": a good deed whose benefit continues after you die, so its reward keeps reaching you. Classic examples are building a well, funding a school or mosque, planting a tree, or leaving behind useful knowledge. You don't have to be rich; small contributions to lasting projects count.
The hadith
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious child, who prays for him" (Sahih Muslim 1631). "Recurring charity" is sadaqah jariyah, literally "flowing charity," like a stream that keeps running.
Examples
- Water: a well, a water pump or clean water projects.
- Places of worship and learning: mosques, schools, libraries.
- Knowledge: teaching, writing, sharing beneficial content, funding Quran copies.
- Health: hospitals, clinics, medical equipment.
- Nature: planting trees that give shade and fruit.
- Endowments: assets whose income funds charity forever. See What is a waqf in Islam?
Small ways to start
Many charities let you contribute a share toward a well or a classroom. You can also:
- donate a Quran or Islamic book to your mosque,
- support a mosque building fund (from sadaqah, not zakat); see Can I give zakat to a mosque?
- teach a new Muslim how to pray,
- raise your children with good values.
The Quran describes how charity given for Allah's sake multiplies:
For loved ones
You can also set up sadaqah jariyah on behalf of a parent or relative who has passed away, like a water well in their name. See Can I give charity on behalf of someone who died?
- Sadaqah jariyah keeps earning reward after death.
- Wells, schools, mosques and knowledge are examples.
- Small shares in big projects count.
- It can be given on behalf of loved ones.
People also ask
What if I gave zakat to someone who wasn't eligible?
If you checked reasonably, many scholars say zakat to someone not eligible still counts. Others say recover it or pay again to be safe.
Read the full answer →What is the zakat on found treasure?
The zakat on found treasure (rikaz) is one fifth, paid right away. Lost wallets and phones aren't treasure: they must go back to their owner.
Read the full answer →What is a waqf in Islam?
A waqf is an endowment: you give an asset for good forever, and its income funds charity. Umar's land in Khaybar was the model.
Read the full answer →Can I donate to an animal shelter as a Muslim?
Yes. Kindness to animals is rewarded in Islam, and the Prophet praised a man who gave water to a thirsty dog. Not as zakat, though.
Read the full answer →Does volunteering count as charity in Islam?
Yes. The Prophet said every good deed is charity, and helping people in need is listed among them. But it doesn't replace zakat.
Read the full answer →