What Is Sadaqah Jariyah?

A Gift That Never Stops Giving

Sadaqah Jariyah literally means ongoing or flowing charity. It is a form of giving whose benefit continues after the donor has passed away, and whose reward continues to be recorded for them in the next life.

Most acts of worship stop at death. But the Prophet ﷺ told us that three things continue to benefit a person after they die. Sadaqah Jariyah is one of them. Every time someone drinks from a well you funded, reads a book you donated, or benefits from knowledge you shared, the reward flows back to you — even after you are gone.

What you invest today in something lasting can be a source of light and reward on the Day of Judgment, long after your time in this world has ended.

What Makes a Charity "Jariyah"?

For a charity to be Jariyah — ongoing — it needs to produce benefits that continue over time. A one-time meal is Sadaqah. Funding a program that feeds people every week for years is closer to Sadaqah Jariyah. The longer and wider the benefit, the greater the ongoing reward.

The Hadith That Defines It

The Prophet ﷺ said: "When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them." (Muslim). Scholars of Islam have explained that the "continuing charity" in this hadith is precisely Sadaqah Jariyah — giving that outlives the giver.

Giving in Memory of a Loved One

Giving Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of someone who has passed is one of the most meaningful gifts you can offer them. The majority of scholars hold that the reward reaches the deceased. The Prophet ﷺ himself accepted Sadaqah given on behalf of the deceased and confirmed it reaches them. Many families do this on anniversaries, during Ramadan, or any time they wish to honor those they have lost.