Sadaqah Jariyah means “continuous charity” or “ongoing charity.” Unlike regular Sadaqah, which is given only once, Sadaqah Jariyah keeps helping people for a long time. Because of this, the person who gave the charity continues to receive rewards from Allah as long as others benefit from it. It is one of the best types of charity in Islam because its rewards continue even after a person has passed away.
The great value of Sadaqah Jariyah is that its rewards do not stop with death. The Prophet ﷺ taught that when a person dies, their good deeds come to an end except for three things: a righteous child who prays for them, beneficial knowledge that people continue to use, and Sadaqah Jariyah. This means that by supporting something that benefits others for many years, a Muslim can continue earning rewards in the grave and on the Day of Judgment. It is a lasting gift that helps both the community and the donor.
Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah include building a water well, helping to build a mosque, school, or medical clinic, donating land for a good cause, or printing and sharing beneficial Islamic books. Any charity that continues to help people for a long time is considered Sadaqah Jariyah. As long as people benefit from it, the donor continues to receive rewards from Allah.