My dear brothers and sisters,
What will truly remain of you after your death?
Not your possessions, nor what you owned, but what will continue to earn you hassanaat in your grave.
The Prophet ︎ taught us:
« When the son of Adam dies, his deeds cease except in three things:
– an ongoing charity,
– beneficial knowledge from which people benefit,
– a righteous child who supplicates for him. »
(Riyad As-Salihin, hadith no. 1383 – reported by Muslim)
This is what is called sadaqa jariya:
the charity whose reward never ceases.
In this article, you will discover:
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what sadaqa jariya truly is according to the Sunnah,
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how to practise it without exaggeration or innovation,
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and how everyone can participate concretely,
even with modest means.
Quick Answer
What is sadaqa jariya?
Sadaqa jariya is an ongoing charity whose reward continues as long as its benefit endures, even after death, as taught by the Prophet ︎ in authentic hadiths.
Recognised examples of sadaqa jariya
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building or maintaining a mosque
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wells and lasting access to water
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transmitting beneficial knowledge
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Quran left to be read
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lasting projects (waqf, schools, hospitals, collective works)
The religious proofs, conditions, and detailed examples are explained further below in this article.
What is the meaning of sadaqa jariya?
Sadaqa jariya (الصدقة الجارية) refers to an ongoing charity whose benefit is continuous, and whose reward continues as long as people benefit from it, even after the death of the one who performed it.
As taught by the Prophet ︎ in the authentic hadith reported by Muslim, certain deeds do not cease after death, among which is ongoing charity (sadaqa jariya).
Unlike an ordinary charity, sadaqa jariya is not a good that is consumed and then finished. It rests on a lasting benefit: as long as its effect exists, the reward continues to be recorded for its giver.
This is why the Prophet ︎ gave sadaqa jariya a special place among the rare deeds whose reward does not cease after death.
Difference between simple sadaqa and sadaqa jariya
These two notions are often confused, although they follow different principles.
Simple sadaqa (non-ongoing charity)
This refers to a charity whose benefit is immediate but limited in time:
This sadaqa is immense in reward, but its effect stops once the good is consumed.
Sadaqa jariya (ongoing charity)
It is characterised by a benefit that renews itself over time:
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people benefit from it today,
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then tomorrow,
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then sometimes for years, even generations.
It is this continuity of benefit that makes all the difference: the reward does not depend on a single moment, but on the duration of the benefit.
What is the link between sadaqa jariya and waqf?
Waqf: the most complete form of sadaqa jariya
The most well-known and accomplished form of sadaqa jariya is waqf (الوقف).
Waqf consists of two simple things:
The scholars have summarised this principle with a clear rule:
« One preserves the asset and circulates its benefit. »
This is precisely why waqf is considered a sadaqa jariya par excellence: its benefit is designed to last over time.
Classical examples of waqf
Among the most well-known forms of waqf are:
It is important to understand that waqf is not reserved for the wealthy.
Even modest assets can become a waqf:
The continuity of benefit: the central criterion
What makes a deed a sadaqa jariya is not its material value, but the continuity of its benefit.
This is why the scholars explain that:
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if a waqf ceases to be useful
(for example, a mosque in an abandoned village),
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it can be transformed,
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sold,
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or reallocated to another similar cause,
so that the benefit continues and the reward is not interrupted.
The objective is therefore not the object itself, but the pursuit of good.
Books, Quran, and knowledge: a sadaqa jariya accessible to all
Among the most accessible forms of sadaqa jariya are:
Anyone who transmits beneficial knowledge — through teaching, writing, sharing, or even dissemination — participates in a sadaqa jariya, as long as that knowledge is authentic, correctly understood, and passed on in turn.
This is a deed accessible to everyone, rich or modest, because sadaqa jariya is not a matter of means, but of long-term vision.
In summary
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Simple sadaqa provides a one-off benefit.
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Sadaqa jariya provides a lasting benefit.
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Waqf is the most complete form of sadaqa jariya.
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What matters is not the size of the deed, but the continuity of its benefit.
This clear foundation now allows us to address the authentic hadiths, the conditions, and the concrete forms of sadaqa jariya recognised in Islam.
The authentic hadiths on sadaqa jariya
To fully understand what sadaqa jariya is according to the Sunnah, it is essential to return to the authentic hadiths that lay its foundations and specify its recognised forms.
Sadaqa jariya is neither a vague notion nor a symbolic interpretation. It rests on clear texts, repeated and unanimously recognised by the scholars, which establish without ambiguity the principle of the continuity of deeds after death.
The fundamental hadith: the three deeds that do not cease
Abu Hurayra رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah ︎ said:
« When the son of Adam dies, his deeds cease except three:
an ongoing charity (sadaqa jariya),
beneficial knowledge from which people benefit,
or a righteous child who supplicates for him. »
(Reported by Muslim, authentic hadith)
This hadith constitutes the foundation of the entire understanding of sadaqa jariya.
It establishes a major principle:
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the majority of deeds cease with death,
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but some continue to produce rewards,
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as long as their effect endures.
Sadaqa jariya thus appears as a special mercy that Allah grants to the believer, so that their connection to good deeds is not entirely severed after their passing.
The hadith of `Umar ibn al-Khattab: the birth of waqf
One of the clearest examples of sadaqa jariya is given to us by `Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه.
Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) relates:
« ‘Umar had acquired land at Khaybar. He went to see the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to consult him about it, saying:
“O Messenger of Allah! I have acquired land at Khaybar which is the most precious possession I have ever obtained! What do you command me to do with it?”
He replied:
“If you wish, retain the capital and give its produce as charity.”
He continued:
“Give it as charity, on the condition that the capital is neither sold, nor given away, nor inherited.”
‘Umar thus made a donation for the poor, for his relatives, for the freeing of slaves, in the path of Allah and for guests, permitting the one who administers it to eat from it reasonably and to feed a friend, without deriving profit from it. »
[Authentic] – [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
In another version reported by al-Bukhari:
« The capital is not sold, but its fruits are spent. »
This hadith clearly establishes the principle of waqf:
This is the most accomplished form of sadaqa jariya, put into practice under the direct guidance of the Prophet ︎.
Other examples among the Companions
Abu Hurayra رضي الله عنه also reports that the Prophet ︎ mentioned certain Companions and said:
« As for Khalid ibn al-Walid, he dedicated his armour and equipment in the path of Allah. »
(Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Even material goods related to warfare were transformed into ongoing charity, as long as their use served a legitimate cause.
Today, this would correspond, for example, to:
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medical equipment donated to a hospital,
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educational equipment given to a school,
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tools made available to a charitable organisation,
as long as these goods continue to serve and benefit people.
This shows that sadaqa jariya:
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is not limited to mosques,
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is not reserved for the wealthy,
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depends above all on the intention and lasting benefit.
The Quran's support for the notion of lasting charity
The Quran reinforces these prophetic teachings by encouraging sincere and constant spending in the path of Allah.
Allah تعالى says:
« Those who spend their wealth [in the way of Allah] by night and by day, secretly and publicly, will have their reward with their Lord. They will have no fear, nor will they grieve. »
(Surah al-Baqara, 2:274)
He also says:
« Never will you attain (true) righteousness until you spend of that which you love. And whatever you spend, indeed, Allah is knowing of it. »
(Surah Al `Imran, 3:92)
And also:
« And if the debtor is in hardship, then grant him respite until a time of ease. But if you remit it as charity, that is better for you, if only you knew! »
(Surah al-Baqara, 2:280)
These verses show that beloved, sincere spending oriented towards good is among the most elevated deeds, and that Allah perfectly knows the intention and scope of it.
Summary: what the scholars have retained
Based on these hadiths and verses, the scholars have established several clear rules:
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sadaqa jariya is a deed whose benefit endures,
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waqf is its most complete form,
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the reward continues as long as the benefit exists,
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if the benefit ceases, the asset can be reallocated,
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sincerity of intention remains an essential condition.
This solid textual basis now allows us to address a question that many believers ask:
Can one perform a sadaqa jariya for a deceased person, and under what conditions?
Can you give sadaqa jariya on behalf of the deceased?
This question comes up very often:
can deeds performed by the living truly benefit a deceased person?
The answer of the scholars is clear, unanimous, and firmly established by the texts:
yes, sadaqa jariya can benefit a deceased person, on condition that it is performed with a sincere intention and within a framework that conforms to the Sunnah.
The general proof: deeds that reach the believer after death
The Prophet ︎ explicitly mentioned that certain deeds continue to reach the believer after their passing.
As he taught in the authentic hadith reported by Muslim, all deeds cease with death, except three:
ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and the supplication of a righteous child.
This text establishes a fundamental principle:
– the majority of deeds end with death,
– but some continue to produce rewards,
as long as their effect endures.
These deeds are therefore not limited to the duration of earthly life.
The detailed hadith of Ibn Majah: concrete examples
The Prophet ︎ also detailed these deeds in another hadith:
« Among the acts and good deeds that follow the believer after his death are: knowledge that he taught and disseminated, a righteous child that he left behind, a copy of the Quran that he bequeathed, a mosque that he built, a house that he constructed for travellers in need, a river that he channelled for the benefit of others, and a charity that he gave from his wealth while still alive and healthy. All these deeds will reach him after his death. »
(Reported by Ibn Majah, graded hassan by several scholars)
This hadith is fundamental, because it clearly shows that:
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the reward continues as long as the benefit exists,
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these deeds are qualified as sadaqa jariya precisely for this reason,
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and their reward reaches the deceased, even long after their passing.
The scholars have also specified that the same principle applies when these deeds are performed on behalf of the deceased, by their relatives or other Muslims.
The deeds of the living that benefit the dead
Another hadith reinforces this principle.
Salman al-Farisi رضي الله عنه reports that the Prophet ︎ said:
« Four deeds of the living benefit the dead:
a man who leaves behind a righteous descendant who supplicates for him,
a man who gives an ongoing charity after him, and its reward reaches him as long as it lasts,
a man who teaches knowledge that is put into practice after him — he receives the same reward as those who apply it, without their reward being diminished. »
(Hadith graded hassan by al-Albani – Sahih al-Jami‘)
This hadith explicitly confirms that:
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the actions of the living can reach the dead,
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sadaqa jariya is one of the most effective deeds in this regard,
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the reward is not diminished for the one who acts, nor for the one on whose behalf the deed is done.
The general principle: initiating lasting good
The Prophet ︎ also laid down a general rule, reported by Muslim:
« Whoever initiates a good practice in Islam will have its reward and the reward of those who practise it after him, without that diminishing their rewards. »
The scholars explain that this principle applies to:
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every good deed that conforms to the Sunnah,
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whose effect extends over time,
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and from which people continue to benefit.
This is why they have explained that the three deeds mentioned in the first hadith
(sadaqa jariya, beneficial knowledge, righteous child) are the roots of good, and that the majority of lasting deeds return to one of these in one way or another.
Legal and spiritual conclusion
The scholars are unanimous on several essential points:
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it is permissible and recommended to give sadaqa jariya on behalf of a deceased person,
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the reward reaches them by the permission of Allah,
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this applies to parents, relatives, and any Muslim,
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the essential condition remains sincerity of intention and conformity to the Sunnah.
Giving sadaqa jariya on behalf of a deceased person is therefore a form of loyalty, mercy, and benevolence,
a deed that does not extinguish with physical disappearance, but continues to bear fruit in the Hereafter.
The following question then naturally arises:
Is it also possible to give sadaqa jariya on behalf of a living person, and what does it mean?
Can you give sadaqa jariya on behalf of a living person?
Yes, it is entirely permissible to give sadaqa jariya on behalf of a person who is still alive.
This practice is not only valid, but it also carries a double benefit: for the one who gives and for the one in whose name the deed is performed.
It is common for a person to say:
« I wish to give sadaqa jariya for my father or mother with my own money, while they are still alive. »
This intention is praiseworthy, and the scholars have clearly explained its meaning.
Why is it called « sadaqa jariya » if the person is still alive?
Sadaqa jariya does not derive its name from the fact that the person has passed away, but from the fact that the reward of the deed continues to “flow” over time.
In other words:
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a deed is called sadaqa jariya because its benefit does not cease,
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even if the person in whose name it is done is still alive,
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because its effect will continue after their death.
Giving sadaqa jariya on behalf of a living person therefore amounts to preparing a lasting deed for them:
they benefit from it today, and its reward will continue after their passing, by the permission of Allah.
Who receives the reward?
When a person gives sadaqa jariya on behalf of a living person:
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the donor is rewarded for their intention, effort, and wealth,
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the beneficiary benefits from the reward linked to the lasting deed,
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and this reward continues for them after their death, as long as the deed endures.
The scholars explain that this resembles a supplication made for someone:
There is therefore no contradiction or injustice in the distribution of rewards.
Allah is Generous, and His mercy is immense.
Concrete examples
Giving sadaqa jariya on behalf of a living person can take several forms:
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participating in a mosque project in the name of one's parents,
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offering copies of the Quran for a mosque in their name,
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contributing to a well or clean water project,
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funding a lasting project (waqf) for the community.
If these deeds continue to be useful for years, their reward will continue to be recorded for the person concerned, even after their death.
A noble and far-sighted intention
Giving sadaqa jariya on behalf of a living parent is an elevated form of filial devotion.
It is at once:
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a way of doing good for them during their lifetime,
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a way of preparing their Hereafter,
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and a proof of love, loyalty, and gratitude.
The scholars do, however, remind us of an essential point: the intention must be sincere, without ostentation, and the deed must conform to the Sunnah.
In summary
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Yes, one can give sadaqa jariya on behalf of a living person.
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It is called « jariya » not because the person has died, but because its reward is ongoing.
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Both the donor and the beneficiary are rewarded.
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And the deed continues to benefit the person after their death, by the permission of Allah.
This understanding naturally leads us to another essential question:
what are the concrete forms of sadaqa jariya recognised in Islam, and how can they be practised today without falling into exaggeration or innovation?
How to give sadaqa jariya today (without innovation)
After understanding what sadaqa jariya is and the forms it can take, many wonder how to put it into practice concretely today, without falling into unfounded practices.
The scholars are clear:
sadaqa jariya does not consist of inventing new rituals, but of reinforcing what Allah and His Messenger ︎ have already legislated, with sincerity, wisdom, and balance.
1. Begin with the intention before the action
Before anything else, sadaqa jariya begins in the heart. The Prophet ︎ said:
« Deeds are judged only by intentions. »
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Before giving, it is essential to ask yourself these simple questions:
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Am I doing this solely for Allah?
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Is this to please Him, or to be seen, recognised, or praised?
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Do I accept that this deed may be discreet, known only to Allah?
A small sadaqa given with a sincere intention can be heavier on the scales than a great deed accompanied by ostentation.
2. Choose a truly lasting deed
Not all good deeds qualify as sadaqa jariya.
For a deed to fall into this category, it must:
Before participating in a project, it is recommended to check:
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What will this donation concretely serve?
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Who will truly benefit from it?
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Is the project monitored, maintained, and useful in the long term?
This vigilance is itself part of worship.
3. Participate according to your means (even modest ones)
One of the most common mistakes is to think:
« I do not have enough money to give sadaqa jariya. »
In reality:
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a collective contribution,
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a regular donation even if small,
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or a targeted contribution,
can be enough to inscribe a person in a lasting deed.
The scholars remind us that consistency is often more beloved to Allah than occasional intensity.
4. Join existing projects
Not everyone has the ability to launch on their own:
But everyone can join an existing project:
In Islam, the reward does not diminish when a deed is collective:
each person receives their full share, according to their intention.
5. Simple examples accessible to all
Here are forms of sadaqa jariya possible today, without innovation:
- participating in the maintenance or equipping of a mosque,
- contributing to a well or water access project,
- funding copies of the Quran or useful books,
- supporting a Quranic school or educational programme,
- installing or funding a water point,
- transmitting authentic and verified knowledge.
Some of these deeds can be done as a one-off, others on a monthly basis, according to each person's means.
6. Remain balanced and avoid exaggeration
It is important to remember that:
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sadaqa jariya is not an obligation,
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it should not become a source of pressure or guilt,
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it never replaces fundamental obligations (prayer, zakat, etc.).
Islam calls for balance:
giving with wisdom, without incurring unnecessary debt, without neglecting one's responsibilities, and without inventing unfounded practices.
Now that we know how to practise sadaqa jariya on a personal level, another reality deserves to be addressed:
how can mosques and Islamic centres facilitate these lasting deeds for the faithful, in a simple, transparent, and accessible way?
This is what we shall see in the following section.
Facilitating sadaqa jariya through mosques and Islamic centres
In practice, the majority of lasting sadaqa jariya are carried by mosques and Islamic centres.
These are the ones who carry the most structuring projects for the community:
Yet many mosque leaders face the same recurring difficulties.
The concrete difficulties faced by mosques
Many leaders particularly testify to:
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the difficulty of collecting donations regularly,
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a heavy reliance on one-off collections (often on Fridays),
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the lack of a simple solution for online donations,
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a lack of project visibility among the faithful,
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complex payment management and tracking,
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irregular contributions, even when the project is legitimate.
These obstacles have nothing to do with a lack of generosity among the faithful,
but rather with the absence of tools suited to our era.
A reality: the faithful want to participate, but simply
Today, many worshippers wish to:
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contribute even with small amounts,
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give discreetly,
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participate in clear and transparent projects,
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support their mosque, even from a distance,
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transform their donation into a lasting sadaqa jariya.
When a project is understandable, monitored, and accessible, mobilisation is very often achieved.
A concrete example of a successful sadaqa jariya project
The Mosque of Courbevoie recently launched a sadaqa jariya project aimed at funding lasting initiatives for the community.
The faithful could: give on a one-off basis, or choose a regular monthly donation, according to their means.
Observed results:
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1,880 donors involved,
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participation spread across small and large amounts,
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a project that was monitored, explained, and understood by the faithful.
This success was not due to an aggressive campaign, but to three simple elements:
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clarity of the project,
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ease of participation,
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trust.
The role of modern tools in service of an ancient intention
It is important to remember one essential thing:
tools never replace the intention, but they can facilitate it.
In the same way that:
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writing facilitated the transmission of knowledge,
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the printing press facilitated the dissemination of the Quran,
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transport facilitated access to mosques,
digital tools can today:
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facilitate participation in sadaqa jariya,
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without altering its meaning,
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nor diminishing its reward.
Provided that they are:
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transparent,
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in conformity with Islamic principles,
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and placed in service of the mosques, not to their detriment.
A word to mosque leaders
If you are:
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an imam,
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a board member,
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a treasurer,
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or a community leader,
know that there are today free solutions, designed specifically for mosques, that allow you to:
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collect donations online,
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offer regular contributions,
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clearly present your sadaqa jariya projects,
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with no platform fees,
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with no technical complexity.
These solutions are only a means, not an end.
The end always remains the same: facilitating good and enabling the faithful to participate in it.
Before going further, it is important to highlight an essential point:
Sadaqa jariya is an immense deed, but it can be emptied of its meaning if it is poorly understood or poorly practised.
The scholars have therefore warned against certain common mistakes, so that the deed is accepted and truly beneficial.
This is what we shall see now.
Common mistakes to avoid regarding sadaqa jariya
Sadaqa jariya is an immense deed, but it can be poorly understood or poorly practised.
The scholars have therefore insisted on several mistakes to avoid so that the deed is accepted and truly beneficial.
1. Thinking that only a large sum counts
One of the most widespread mistakes is believing that sadaqa jariya is reserved for the wealthy or for large projects.
Yet, the Prophet ︎ reminded us that the value of a deed does not depend on its amount, but on the sincerity of the intention and the real benefit it provides.
A modest, regular, and sincere donation can be heavier on the scales than a large sum given out of ostentation.
2. Confusing sadaqa jariya with religious innovation
Some people invent specific practices or rituals thinking they are doing good, when they have no basis in the Quran or the Sunnah.
Sadaqa jariya does not consist of creating new acts of worship, but of:
Every deed must remain in conformity with the Sunnah, without exaggeration or addition.
3. Neglecting the intention (niyyah)
An outwardly beneficial deed can lose all its value if it is done:
Sadaqa jariya is above all a worship of the heart.
Without a sincere intention for Allah, it risks becoming a mere material act, without lasting reward.
4. Believing that the object suffices without real benefit
It is not the object itself that constitutes sadaqa jariya, but the benefit it provides.
For example:
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a Quran placed but never read,
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unused equipment,
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a poorly conceived or abandoned project,
do not fully fulfil the objective of the continuity of good.
The scholars remind us that if a waqf or project ceases to be useful, it must be redirected, so that the benefit continues.
5. Not verifying the reliability of the supported project
Giving is an act of worship, but the Muslim remains responsible for the use of their donation.
It is important to ensure that:
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the project is clear and transparent,
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the money is used in accordance with the stated objective,
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the framework is lawful and serious.
Haste or naivety can turn a good intention into a source of regret.
6. Thinking that sadaqa jariya exempts from obligations
Sadaqa jariya never replaces:
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obligatory prayer,
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religious duties,
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ethics and good conduct.
It is a complement, not a compensation for voluntary negligence.
7. Forgetting that harm can also be prolonged
Finally, just as good can endure, harm can also be prolonged.
Deliberately leaving behind:
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misleading content,
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false teachings,
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harmful deeds,
can result in continuous sins after death.
Hence the importance of correcting, removing, and repairing what can be.
Avoiding these mistakes allows one to transform a simple good deed into a true accepted sadaqa jariya, lasting and a source of barakah.
It is with this awareness, this sincerity, and this balance that the believer advances towards Allah, hoping to leave behind a trace of good that never fades.
Conclusion — A deed that continues begins today
My dear brothers and sisters,
Sadaqa jariya is not an abstract idea, nor a concept reserved for an elite.
It is a door that Allah has left open for each of us — rich or modest, young or old.
A door through which good continues to flow, even when our personal deeds have ceased.
The Prophet ︎ reminded us that certain actions never die:
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a charity whose benefit endures,
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knowledge transmitted with sincerity,
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a righteous child raised in obedience to Allah.
These deeds do not extinguish with death.
They continue to bear fruit as long as Allah wills.
It is not about the size of the donation, nor the visibility of the action, but about the intention, the continuity of the benefit, and the sincerity of the heart.
A Quran offered,
a participation in a collective project,
a regular support even if modest,
knowledge shared correctly…
All of this can become a sadaqa jariya, if it is done for Allah alone.
Each of us can ask ourselves this question, in all intimacy:
What do I wish to leave behind as a trace of good?
Whether for oneself, for one's parents, or for the community, sadaqa jariya is a mercy that Allah grants us during our lifetime.
An opportunity to sow today what we would like to reap tomorrow.
May Allah accept our deeds, purify our intentions, and make what we leave behind a source of continuous good, until the Day we meet Him.
Ameen.
