Sadaqah Jariyah for the Deceased – Complete Charity Guide

Sadaqah Jariyah for the deceased is a powerful Islamic charity that continues to benefit loved ones even after their passing, earning them lasting rewards. The loss of loved ones is one of the toughest experiences.

The grief and the memories, the questions. Can I be of help to these people now? In Islam, we’re blessed with something incredibly powerful: Sadaqah Jariyah.

This isn’t just a matter of charity. You’ll receive a steady stream of rewards that go to loved ones after they’ve passed away.

What Is Sadaqah Jariyah? Meaning & Importance in Islam

Definition and Arabic Meaning of Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah Jariyah is ” flowing charity.” In Arabic, ” Jariyah” refers to continuous or running. This is any charity that continues to benefit individuals over time.

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The Concept of Ongoing Charity in the Afterlife

If you make a donation that helps others for a long time -such as the gift of a Water well or a Qur’an-related donation is actually creating blessings and seeds that continue to grow even after you’ve passed away. 

This is what makes the ongoing charitable giving after the death of a loved one such a beautiful thing.

#MondayMotivation Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for 3 things:

1. Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity)

2. A knowledge which is beneficial

3. A virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” pic.twitter.com/mx8xVt5X9z

— Jamaat-e-Islami Hind #Hyderabad (@JIHHyderabad) May 4, 2020

Primary Difference Between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah can be described as an act of kindness that is voluntary or giving. But Sadaqah Jariyah? It will continue to reward users for as long as it’s utilised. Imagine it as an electric light that never goes off.

Sadaqah vs Sadaqah Jariyah – Quick Comparison

Sadaqah	Sadaqah Jariyah
One-time charity	Ongoing charity
Short-term reward	Continuous reward
Feeds or helps once	Benefits others for years
Food, clothes, cash	Wells, mosques, Qur’ans
Immediate relief	Long-lasting impact
For urgent or daily needs	For legacy and afterlife

Rewards of Sadaqah Jariyah for the Deceased

Hadiths on Sadaqah for the Deceased Loved Ones

Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.” This hadith is the foundation of Sadaqah Jariyah.

Does Charity Reach the Deceased? Scholarly Views

Yes! Researchers agree that when you give charity to the dead and the deceased, it will benefit them. The value of your du’as and contributions, and even your good acts in their honour, are all worth it.

Eternal Rewards: How the Deceased Continues to Benefit

Imagine drinking clean water from the well you constructed in the name of your mother

. She is rewarded. This is the appeal of Sadaqah Jariyah, a tribute to parents who have passed away.

Best Types of Sadaqah Jariyah for the Deceased

Building a Mosque or School in Their Name

Education and worship places are among the most effective forms of Sadaqah Jariyah. 

People pray and study the way that their loved ones earn rewards.

Donating Qur’ans or Islamic Books

Donate the Qur’an to a mosque or a school. Every time a student is reading, it?

 Sure, you and your loved ones gain the blessings.

Planting Trees or Building Water Wells

The Prophet (PBUH) once said, “The best charity is giving water.”

Whether it’s a well, pump, or tank, clean water saves lives and keeps blessings flowing.

Sponsoring an Orphan or Providing Education

Do you want to do something that can touch hearts? Sponsor a child. The future of the child becomes your loved ones’ lasting legacy.

Creating a Community Project or Shelter

The idea of establishing a shelter or a community clinic named after someone is a way to spread generosity as well as the spirit of charity.

Duas and Acts You Can Do for the Deceased

Powerful Dua for Forgiveness and Light in the Grave

Arabic Text

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ، وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي الْمَهْدِيِّينَ، وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَافْسَحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ، وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فِيهِ.

Allaahummaghfir lahu, warfa‘ darajatahu fil-mahdiyyeen, wakh-lufhu fi ‘aqibihi fil-ghaabireen, waghfir lanaa wa lahu yaa Rabbal-‘aalameen, wafsah lahu fee qabrihi wa nawwir lahu feeh.

English Translation

“O Allah, forgive him, raise his status among the rightly guided, and be his successor among those he left behind. Forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds. Expand his grave and illuminate it for him.”

Why This Dua Is Used

This dua was taught by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself when someone passed away. It is:

• One of the most complete and comprehensive duas for the deceased.
• It asks for:
• Forgiveness (اغْفِرْ لَهُ)
• Elevation in ranks in the company of the righteous (وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي الْمَهْدِيِّينَ)
• Support for the family left behind (وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ)
• Peace and light in the grave (وَافْسَحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ، وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فِيهِ)

How to Say “Inna Lillahi” and When to Use It

Every time we hear about the passing of someone, we say:

 “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. “ It’s a way to remind ourselves. We are part of Allah as well. To Him, we go back.

Performing Hajj, Umrah, or Qur’an Recitation on Their Behalf

You may do Hajj, Umrah or say the Qur’an to honor the deceased, particularly parents. There are some differences among scholars, but the majority of them allow the practice.

How to Honour a Loved One After Death with Charity

Personalising Your Charity to Match Their Life Legacy

Did they enjoy teaching? Create the school. Did they have a passion for helping animals? Donate to an animal shelter. 

Let their legacy be remembered by way of a personal Sadaqah Jariyah.

Digital Sadaqah: Online Donations and Waqf Initiatives

Nowadays, it is possible to donate to charities online in just a few minutes. 

Find trustworthy Waqf websites or Islamic Non-Governmental Organisations.

Encouraging Family to Contribute to Greater Reward

Engage your family. A shared goal, a shared reward. 

Donations from groups for ongoing charitable causes are emotionally and spiritually satisfying.

Dealing with Grief in Islam After a Loved One Passes

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Guidance on Grief

He cried. He mourned. The Prophet (PBUH) taught us it’s okay to grieve.

What matters is how we turn that grief into something good, like charity.

Taking Care of Your Health During Grief

Your body has a right to you. Take care to eat well. Rest. Talk. Yes, and yes, even worship. This is how we can survive the loss within Islam.

Support Systems and Khalwa (Seclusion) with Allah

Sometimes, a moment of solitude with Allah can be therapeutic. In other instances, we require others. Don’t be afraid to lean on both.

Preparing for Death – Leave a Legacy of Charity

The Role of Tawbah and Repentance

Always look for Tawbah. We do not know for certain which day will be our final day. 

Repentance will clear our slates before we meet with Allah.

Writing an Islamic Will for Future Sadaqah

“Don’t go two nights without a will,” said our Prophet.

An Islamic will can include your Sadaqah Jariyah wishes.

3 Good Deeds That Continue After Death

As stated, ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a morally upright child. 

Concentrate on these. Learn, give, or raise your hand.

Afterlife in Islam: What Happens After Death

The 14 Stages of the Afterlife (Barzakh to Paradise)

From Barzakh (the grave) to Sirat (the bridge), Islam teaches 14 stages we go through. It’s a journey. A serious one.

The Day of Judgement and Accountability

There is no escape from this. Your deeds are your luggage. 

Make Sadaqah Jariyah the tiniest and prettiest portion of your luggage.

How Sadaqah Jariyah Affects One’s Status in the Hereafter

It raises the ranks. Cleans up sins. Opens doors. 

It’s the ticket you’d like to give your loved one next.

FAQS on Giving Sadaqah for the Deceased

Can I give Sadaqah on behalf of non-Muslims?

The scholars differ, but the majority are in agreement. Sadaqah will only be awarded if it is done for the benefit of a Muslim. But general charitable giving is still beneficial.

Is it better to give a one-time donation or an ongoing one?

Continuous donation (Sadaqah Jariyah) brings constant benefits. 

However, only one time can Sadaqah be equally valuable.

Can I give Sadaqah to multiple people?

Absolutely. It can be a gift to parents, siblings, or friends, as you are sincere.

Is online charity accepted?

Yes, as long as it’s from a trusted Islamic platform.

Can women give Sadaqah Jariyah?

Of course! Charity does not have a gender-specific limit.

Is building a well the best Sadaqah Jariyah?

The Prophet (PBUH) said water is among the best.

But anything that benefits others, long-term, counts.

Can I give Sadaqah from someone else’s money?

Only if you have their permission or it’s part of their will.

Should I inform the family when I give charity on behalf of the deceased?

You can, but you don’t have to. It’s between you and Allah.

Can I give charity on behalf of someone who didn’t give charity themselves?

Yes. This is part of the appeal of Islamic charity.

 We can aid each other, even after our death.

Is it necessary to mention the name of the deceased in the donation?

It helps with intention, but it’s not required.

Can you give Sadaqah to the deceased?

You can. If you donate Sadaqah on behalf of a family member, your reward will reach the person in question as long as your intentions are sincere.

 This is based on a variety of hadiths, which confirm the value of charitable giving to those who have passed away.

Can we give fitrah for a dead person?

Fitrana (Zakat al-Fitr) is generally an obligation to the living. 

Some scholars permit giving it to the deceased instead of the act of Sadaqah; however, it is not mandatory. A better option is to offer Sadaqah Jariyah.

Which Surah to recite for a dead person?

Surah Yasin is most commonly used to honour the dead, according to some stories. 

Some are also known to recite Surah al-Fatiha, Surah Ikhlas and Ayat al-Kursi. This is a way of benefiting from wisdom and knowledge that could help bring comfort to the souls of the dead.

How do you give Sadaqah on behalf of someone?

Make the niyyah (intention) crystal clear.

 You can make a donation to an Islamic mosque, create a water well, help an orphan or do any ongoing charitable cause.

 You can say, “O Allah, I give this Sadaqah on behalf of [Name].” This is it.

Sadaqah for a dead person hadith

The famous hadith in Sahih Muslim says:

“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who will pray for him.”

Sadaqah on behalf of the deceased, 70,000 angels

It is said that 70,000 angels shower blessings on those who give charity to the deceased.

While this isn’t confirmed within Sahih books, the blessing of Sadaqah Jariyah is highlighted in numerous authentic sources.

Sadaqah for deceased parents

It is among the most rewarding actions that a child could perform. Y

You can construct a well, contribute Qur’ans or fund an education for a child, and then dedicate your reward to the deceased parents. 

Every act of charity that is ongoing elevates their standing in the future.

Best Sadaqah Jariyah for the deceased

Some of the best include:

• Water wells
• Building mosques or schools
• Planting trees
• Donating Islamic books
• Sponsoring orphans

Sadaqah Jariyah, for the deceased, quotes

“When a soul leaves this world, the charity left behind continues to brighten their grave.”
“You can’t hug them anymore, but your charity can.”

Sadaqah Jariyah for parents hadith

“The best of what a man consumes is what he earns. And his child is from his earnings.” (Muslim)
Your deeds on behalf of your parents are seen as their extended deeds, especially if you are a righteous child who prays and gives Sadaqah for them.

Final Thoughts – Leaving a Legacy of Blessings

It’s incredible. Even after we’ve passed this point, the story will not end. 

Through Sadaqah Jariyah, we are able to write chapters for the people we love – chapters that are filled with hope, illumination, and eternal rewards.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny contribution or a huge project; make it out of love, for the reason that in the future, someone could be able to do the same thing for you.