Sadaqah Jariyah refers to ongoing charity. It is an act of giving that provides continuous benefits over time. 

Examples include building a school or a well or providing long-term education sponsorship. Each time someone benefits from these acts, the donor receives rewards, even after death. 

Sadaqah is a one-time act of charity, such as feeding the hungry or giving money to someone in need. In contrast, Sadaqah Jariyah has a lasting impact. It's a continuous charity that benefits people long after the initial act, ensuring rewards for the donor in the future. 

For more information on the difference between these two precious acts of giving read our blog The Difference Between Sadaqah  and Sadaqah Jariyah: Giving For Now and Forever

Sadaqah Jariyah is one of Islam's most valuable forms of charity because its rewards do not stop. When you build a well, you receive a reward every time someone drinks from it. When you sponsor education, every lesson learned adds to your record of good deeds. 

• Lasting Impact: Each act contributes to the well-being of others, ensuring that your reward continues indefinitely. 

• Spiritual Growth: Supporting projects like schools, hospitals, or mosques helps communities while elevating your spiritual status. 

• Worldwide Reach: Your Sadaqah can reach vulnerable communities across the globe, ensuring that the benefits of your charity are felt far and wide. 

While there are no stipulations when giving Sadaqah, there can be several when donating Zakat in terms of who can benefit from the charity.

‘The Messenger of Allah (saw) was asked, “Which charity is best?” He replied, “[Providing] water”’. [Abu Dawud]

We use water for everything, from washing dishes to cooking food to growing crops. Allah says, ‘By means of water, we give life to everything’. (Qur’an, 21:30) Communities who don’t have access to clean water face unimaginable hardships; their health, education and livelihoods suffer, trapping each generation in a tragic cycle of poverty. 

By giving water, you can make a difference to families in need for generations to come, bringing the entire community back to life. From building a community well to contributing to our Safe Water Fund, we have projects for every budget across Africa, Asia and the Middle East! Having access to safe water is a basic human right and fulfilling this right is an excellent Sadaqah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them" (Sahih Muslim).

By giving Sadaqah on behalf of a loved one, whether they are alive or have passed away, you extend the opportunity for continuous blessings and rewards in both this life and the Hereafter.

You can give Sadaqah on behalf of a loved one in various meaningful ways. For example, contributing to the construction of a water well in areas lacking access to clean water, distributing food to those in need with the intention that the blessings are received by your loved one, planting trees in their name as trees provide shade, fruit, and sustenance to both people and animals, and paying for a student's education on behalf of your loved one can leave a profound and lasting impact.