Sadaqah Jariyah: Meaning, Hadith and 10 Ideas for Charity That Keeps Rewarding

Most good deeds end when the action ends. But some keep producing reward for years, even after a person has passed away. In Islam this is called sadaqah jariyah, "flowing" or "ongoing" charity: a good deed whose benefit continues, and whose reward continues with it.

The hadith of three deeds that continue

The Prophet ﷺ said: "When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: an ongoing charity, knowledge that is benefited from, or a righteous child who prays for him" (Sahih Muslim).

In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ listed deeds whose reward reaches a believer after death, including knowledge they taught and spread, a righteous child they left behind, a copy of the Quran they left as an inheritance, a mosque they built, a house they built for travellers, a stream of water they made flow, and charity they gave in their lifetime while healthy (Ibn Majah, graded hasan).

What makes charity "ongoing"?

The key is lasting benefit. Feeding a hungry person is a wonderful sadaqah, rewarded greatly. Sadaqah jariyah is charity whose benefit goes on being used: a well that people keep drinking from, a book that keeps being read, a skill that keeps being practised.

10 ideas for sadaqah jariyah

1. Teach the Quran

Every time someone you taught recites a letter of the Quran, they earn reward, and so do you for teaching it. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Teaching your child, a friend or a new Muslim even a single surah can become a lifelong reward.

2. Raise children who love Allah

The hadith names "a righteous child who prays for him". Investing time in your children's Quran, prayer and character is one of the most powerful sadaqah jariyah there is. Our guide on teaching your child to pray is a good place to start.

3. Sponsor a child's Quran classes

Paying for another child's Quran or Islamic studies lessons combines two forms of continuing reward: beneficial knowledge and a righteous young person.

4. Give copies of the Quran

Donating copies of the Mushaf to a mosque, school or new Muslim means reward each time it is opened and read.

5. Provide clean water

When Sa'd ibn Ubadah asked the Prophet ﷺ which charity was best on behalf of his late mother, he answered: water. Sa'd dug a well and dedicated it to her (Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i). Water projects remain among the most popular forms of sadaqah jariyah today.

6. Plant a tree

The Prophet ﷺ said that whenever a Muslim plants a tree and a person, animal or bird eats from it, it is charity for him (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). Planting a fruit tree in your garden or community is a simple family project.

7. Support a mosque

"Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise" (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). Contributing even a small amount towards building or maintaining a mosque counts.

8. Share beneficial knowledge

Writing a helpful article, recording a beneficial lesson, or sharing a reliable resource can benefit people long after it is made, as long as the content is accurate. See our guide on checking hadith before sharing.

9. Donate useful books and resources

Islamic books for a school library, educational materials for an orphanage or a laptop for a student can keep benefiting for years.

10. Teach a useful skill

Teaching someone to read, a trade or a skill that helps them earn a halal living is knowledge that keeps on benefiting.

Sadaqah jariyah for parents who have passed away

A man told the Prophet ﷺ that his mother had died suddenly and asked whether she would be rewarded if he gave charity on her behalf. The Prophet ﷺ said yes (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). Children can give sadaqah jariyah on behalf of deceased parents and grandparents, and above all make dua for them.

Involving children in sadaqah jariyah

• Plant a tree together and explain that every bird that eats from it brings reward.
• Let them choose a project, such as contributing pocket money towards a water well.
• Teach them to teach. An older child helping a younger sibling with a surah is already practising it.
• Explain the hadith of three deeds. Children love knowing that good deeds can "keep going".

For more ways to build generosity in children, see our ideas for preparing kids for Ramadan, when charity is especially encouraged.

Start with the Quran

Learning and teaching the Quran is one of the most accessible forms of sadaqah jariyah. Whether you want to start yourself with Noorani Qaida, improve your Quran reading, or give your child a strong foundation in Islamic studies, our tutors can help. Two free trial classes let you begin with no commitment.