Sadaqah Jariyah: Basic Understanding, Religious Benefits & Practices

Sadaqah Jariyah, a continuous charity, is an act of giving in ways that keep going. This act showcases your faith and gratitude towards Allah while cleansing your soul from any past sins. 

The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w said, "The charity can take away sin as the water extinguishes the fire." 

Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam is encouraged with the pure intention of a belief that Allah opens up the gate of heaven for those who perform charity in his name. This good deed does not come to an end with death; instead continues the charity. For instance, building a well containing fresh drinking water benefits society even after the person enters the afterlife. 

Sunan Ibn Majah says, "Whoever digs a well, it will provide water for him on the Day of Judgement, for the jinn and for the humans who drink from it."

Curious about how you can participate in Sadaqah Jariyah? If yes then keep reading this blog for a better understanding of its various concepts and teachings.
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​Understanding Sadaqah Jariyah From Islamic Text References

Quran ​

The Islamic Text, i.e., the Holy Quran, is known to be the final revelation of God to humanity, where Sadaqah Jariyah, a voluntary action, has been explained as a way that leads to purification. The sacred text also mentions that charity can be extended to people who may not visibly look in need of it. 

Allah (SWT) states in the Holy Quran, "Believe in Allah and His Messenger and donate from what He has entrusted you with. So those of you who believe and donate will have a mighty reward."

The above reference encourages people to have faith in Allah by performing Sadaqah Jariyah, as it may bring you rewards. 

Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow), Verse 261, states, "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a grain [of wheat] that produces seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies for whom He wills. And Allah is Knowing and Powerful."

This reference emphasizes that your good deeds do not get ignored; instead, they give you multiple rewards as long as people benefit from your kind act.

Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave), Verse 76, states, "Whatever you spend – it is from Allah, and whatever you earn – it is for Allah. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing."

This reference acknowledges that all your earthy possessions belong to the almighty, and giving Sadaqah Jariyah reflects good character and trust in Allah.
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Hadith ​

The sacred Islamic text, Hadith, includes all the actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) related to spiritual and physical aspects like prayer, worship, and Sadaqah Jariyah. According to this text, even small actions like a kind word can also be classified as Sadaqah.

Sahih Bukhari (Hadith No. 653) states, "The best of charities is the one that is continuous."

The Hadith considers Sadaqah Jariyah as the best form of charity that is performed based on your own will, unlike Zakat (mandatory charity). Sadaqah has the potential to continuously help others and leave a long-lasting impact for even centuries to come. 

Sahih Muslim (Hadith No. 1631) states, “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), or knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him.”

Being the powerful motivator, Sadaqah Jariyah extends beyond an individual's lifetime, where he can benefit from it after their death as well. 
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Projects Exemplifying Sadaqah Jariyah

In Islam, Sadaqah Jariyah is not only concerned with things and financial donations like Zakat; rather, it transcends beyond this: 

• Giving or creating a land for farming that can produce food for multiple generations.
• Constructing a water well, houses, and other facilities that can serve the community and animals for a long time.
• Purchasing livestock for people so they can financially survive.
• Making someone skilled by teaching them or providing knowledge 
• Constructing anything that serves humanity for good for generations to come 

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Except these, there are other important acts that positively affect others, as mentioned below:
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Sponsoring Poor Children or Orphans ​

Children, especially orphans, are the most needful, so sponsoring them in terms of education and overall well-being is the ultimate Sadaqah. This can help them come out of poverty, gain skills for a better future, and contribute positively to society, which may benefit them for years to come. Children lacking a support system may reach their true potential and become upcoming members who will practice Sadaqah through continuous charity. This means that the impact of your good deeds lasts for a long time, making you a true receiver of these rewards.
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Tree plantations

Planting trees can serve human beings and wildlife for a lifetime by providing shelter, fruits, and foliage. Through wide flower plantations, you can also encourage wildlife like bees, which pollinate trees and plants that produce more food. In the holy Quran, among many fruits, olives are known as the blessed fruit, which means that planting these trees is a very pure act of Sadaqah Jariyah. 

The Prophet (PBUH) said, 'Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit, and then a human, animal or bird eats from it, is rewarded (by Allah) for that.'"
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Property Donation Or Construction Of Islamic Institutions

The act of donating property or constructing Islamic centers and institutions like mosques and madrasas etc., is another charitable act. These institutions work towards spreading Islam and encouraging spiritual development among different generations. 

Did you know Sadaqah Jariyah can be given on behalf of others, including the ones who have already passed away? 

It is most commonly said, "The deceased can benefit from charity given on his behalf, which includes a waqf of a Mus-haf, etc., or digging a well, or planting a tree, whether he does that during his lifetime, or it is done by someone else on his behalf after his death. "

Benefits of Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah Jariyah helps in keeping society more balanced through ongoing charity and sincerity of faith. The significance of Sadaqah Jariyah can be traced through your legacy of good deeds, where you can help the needy through your earthly possessions along with displaying generosity and compassion. This regular form of charity is needed to build a stronger community due to its following benefits:
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Cures Illness ​

In Islam, illness is often viewed as a test of your faith or a consequence of your past actions. However, through Sadaqah Jariyah, it is believed that you can seek Allah's pleasure and spiritual purification that can your Deteriorating health. The act of donation may bring you a sense of gratitude, leading to a positive mindset and improved coping mechanisms, which may later contribute to your healing. 

The Prophet (saw) said, "Treat your sick ones with charity."

This charity can also be used to avert death or any fatal situations as your constant efforts and good deeds may please the almighty.

The Prophet (Tirmidhi) said, "Sadaqah appeases the Lord’s anger and averts an evil death."
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Helps In Attaining Taqwa ​

Taqwa in Islam stands for piety or righteousness, which can be attained through constant donation, i.e., Sadaqah. This helps in making you conscious of allah while fostering a fear for the almighty that works as a motivator for leading a virtuous life. Donating your precious things can purify your soul, strengthen your connection with Allah and depict your long-lasting obedience to the almighty. 

Allah in Quaran has mentioned, "You will never achieve taqwa until you donate some of what you cherish. And whatever you give is certainly well known to Allah."
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Provides Shade on the Judgement Day

Continuous charity can make you earn Allah's blessing and mercy, providing you with a metaphoric shade on your judgment day. Performing selfless good deeds purely for Allah can offer you a sense of protection and comfort. Thus shielding you from any grief or anxiety of the afterlife. 

The Prophet (Sahih Bukhari) says, "Seven (people) will be shaded by Allah by His Shade on the Day of Resurrection when there will be no shade except His Shade… and (finally), a man who gives in charity so secretly that his left-hand does not know what his right hand has given."
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How to Participate

Sadaqah Jariyah has been going on for centuries; where one can trace people's participation in both the conventional and digital eras as mentioned below: ​

Participation In The Conventional Times

Charity has always been known for purifying the Nafs (human soul) and easing your hardships while opening the gates of Jannah (Heaven) since the start. People, earlier, used to participate in the following ways:

• Individuals used to directly donate to charities responsible for building wells, mosques, etc. They donated by submitting written pledges, volunteering in the construction process or donating cash. 
• Donating manuscripts or providing knowledge of religious teachings to people.
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Participation In The Digital Era

Digital platforms' arrival made it easier for people to participate in Sadaqah. These online platforms brought a variety of projects from which you could choose, giving way to a more secure and transparent process. The following are ways in which people participated in this digital era:

• You can choose the most reliable online platform that can connect you to different projects globally.
• Allows you to raise funds through crowdfunding campaigns.
• Provides you with the automatic setting option for donations every month. 

So, if you are looking for a trustworthy platform, then your search stops here at SG Aqiqah providing various services, including Sadaqah Jariyah.
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Conclusion

In Islam, the role of Sadaqah Jariyah is very powerful as it guides you to walk on the path of Allah selflessly. It spiritually awakens you while rewarding you even in the afterlife by empowering and helping those who need you.