What is Sadaqah Jariyah? Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing charity that continues to benefit people after it is given. Examples can include providing clean water, supporting beneficial education, establishing useful facilities, or other projects whose benefits continue over time.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described Sadaqah Jariyah, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for a person as three deeds whose reward continues after death. This is recorded in Sahih Muslim 1631.
Unlike Zakat, Sadaqah is voluntary. It does not have a fixed percentage or a single required payment amount. It can be money, goods, practical help, or even certain acts of kindness. Sahih Muslim records that every act of goodness can be Sadaqah.
If you want to make your charity last beyond a single meal or emergency payment, Sadaqah Jariyah offers a way to support projects designed to provide continuing benefit.
What Is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah Jariyah means ongoing charity. It refers to a charitable act whose benefit continues over time, potentially allowing the donor to receive continuing reward while the benefit remains.
The concept comes from the well-known hadith in Sahih Muslim:
When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.
This makes Sadaqah Jariyah different from a one-time charitable act whose benefit ends immediately.
For example, giving someone a meal may provide immediate help. Building a water well can provide access to clean water for years. Both can be Sadaqah, but the well has an ongoing benefit when it continues serving people.
Allah also describes the reward of spending in His cause through the example of a seed producing many times its original yield.
Sadaqah Jariyah in simple terms
Think of it this way:
Sadaqah: Give and help someone today.
Sadaqah Jariyah: Give toward something that can keep helping people tomorrow, next year, and potentially much longer.
The duration and amount of reward are ultimately known to Allah. A donor should therefore focus on sincere intention and genuine benefit rather than trying to calculate their spiritual reward.
The 15 Sadaqah Jariyah FAQs
1. What Is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is voluntary charity or an act of goodness given for the sake of Allah.
Many people associate Sadaqah only with giving money to someone in need. Islamic sources describe it more broadly.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that every act of goodness is Sadaqah. Another hadith explains that helping someone, speaking a good word, removing something harmful from a path, and other beneficial actions can all count as Sadaqah.
So, what is Sadaqah in Islam?
It can include:
- Giving money to someone in need
- Feeding a hungry person
- Providing clean water
- Helping someone with a difficult task
- Supporting beneficial education
- Removing an obstacle from someone’s path
- Speaking kindly
- Supporting a worthwhile community project
Sadaqah is therefore broader than financial donations alone.
2. What Is the Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah?
The main difference is that Zakat is obligatory for Muslims who meet its conditions, while Sadaqah is voluntary charity.
| Zakat | Sadaqah |
|---|---|
| Obligatory when its conditions are met | Voluntary |
| Has specific rules and eligibility requirements | Generally broader |
| Has prescribed categories of recipients | Can support many permissible charitable purposes |
| Usually calculated according to Islamic rules | No fixed percentage |
| Must meet Zakat conditions | Can be given according to the donor’s ability |
This distinction matters when choosing a donation.
If you owe Zakat, giving Sadaqah does not replace that obligation.
For a more detailed explanation, see our guide on the [difference between Zakat and Sadaqah].
3. Who Is Eligible for Sadaqah in Islam?
Sadaqah can generally be given to people in need and used for permissible charitable purposes. It does not have the same restricted recipient categories as obligatory Zakat.
Depending on the type of Sadaqah, you may support:
- Poor families
- Orphans
- Widows
- People facing emergencies
- People who need clean water
- Students and educational projects
- Community facilities
- Humanitarian programmes
- Other permissible charitable causes
The rules for Sadaqah are therefore broader than those for Zakat.
However, donors should still consider whether a project is genuinely beneficial and whether the organisation handling the money is transparent about how donations are used.
4. How Do You Give Sadaqah?
You can give Sadaqah directly to someone in need or through a trustworthy charitable project.
A simple process is:
- Decide how much you can comfortably give.
- Make your intention to give for Allah’s sake.
- Choose a legitimate and permissible cause.
- Give money, goods, time, skills, or another form of beneficial help.
- Avoid reminding the recipient of your gift or humiliating them.
- If donating through an organisation, check its donation and distribution policies.
You do not need to wait for a particular day to give Sadaqah.
You can give a small amount regularly or make a larger donation when you are able.
The important principle is sincerity and genuine benefit.
5. How Much Sadaqah Should I Give?
There is no universal percentage of Sadaqah that every Muslim must give.
This is one of the biggest differences between Sadaqah and Zakat.
If you are asking, “How much Sadaqah should I give?”, give according to your means and circumstances while avoiding financial hardship for yourself or those you are responsible for.
You could give:
- £1
- £5
- £10
- £50
- £100
- A regular monthly amount
- A contribution toward a larger project
There is no rule saying Sadaqah must be a particular percentage of your income.
Even non-financial acts can be Sadaqah. The Prophet ﷺ described acts of goodness as charity.
6. Can You Give Sadaqah on Behalf of Someone Alive?
Yes, you can give voluntary Sadaqah and intend the reward for another person, but specific rulings can differ depending on the situation and scholarly interpretation.
This is especially relevant when someone wants to give Sadaqah for:
- A parent
- A spouse
- A child
- A relative
- A friend
- Someone who is ill
If you are giving a general Sadaqah on behalf of someone alive, you can make your intention clear to Allah and ask Him to grant the intended person benefit and reward.
For questions involving a particular person’s circumstances, it is sensible to ask a qualified scholar.
7. Can You Give Sadaqah Jariyah for Someone Alive?
Yes, a person can establish or fund an ongoing charitable project while intending it as a gift of reward or benefit for someone alive, subject to the relevant scholarly view.
For example, a family might contribute toward:
- A water well
- A mosque facility
- Educational resources
- A beneficial learning programme
- A long-term community project
The donor can intend the charity for themselves, another person, or both.
A Sadaqah Jariyah project can also be made as a family contribution.
For example, several siblings could jointly contribute toward a water well and dedicate the project to their parents.
8. Can You Give Sadaqah Jariyah on Behalf of Someone Who Has Died?
Yes. Islamic sources provide evidence that certain charitable acts performed on behalf of a deceased person can benefit them.
One well-known report concerns Sa’d ibn Ubadah, whose mother had died. He asked the Prophet ﷺ which charity was best for her, and he was directed to water. Sa’d subsequently dug a well for her. The report is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud 1681 and graded Hasan by Al-Albani on Sunnah.com.
This is one reason water projects are commonly chosen as Sadaqah Jariyah in memory of deceased parents and relatives.
You can learn more about [how to donate a water well in someone’s name].
9. How Do You Give Sadaqah for Illness?
You can give voluntary charity with the intention of seeking Allah’s mercy and asking Him to grant healing to someone who is ill.
For example, you could:
- Make a sincere intention for Allah.
- Give Sadaqah to someone in need.
- Support a water, food, medical, or humanitarian project.
- Make Du’a for the ill person.
- Ask Allah to accept the charity and grant healing.
Sadaqah should not be presented as a guaranteed medical treatment or replacement for appropriate healthcare.
Rather, it can be an act of worship performed alongside seeking appropriate medical care.
If you want to learn more, see our guide on [how to give Sadaqah for a sick person].
10. What Are the Best Sadaqah Jariyah Examples?
Some common examples of Sadaqah Jariyah include:
1. Water wells
A well can provide clean water to a community over an extended period.
2. Beneficial education
Supporting education, books, teaching, or useful knowledge can create benefits that continue after the initial donation.
3. Mosques and useful facilities
Contributing toward a permissible facility that people continue to use can create ongoing benefit.
4. Qur’an and Islamic educational resources
Providing useful religious learning materials can benefit people who continue learning from them.
5. Sustainable community projects
Projects that continue providing essential services or livelihood benefits can potentially create ongoing charitable benefit.
Our guide to the [best Sadaqah Jariyah examples] explores these options in more detail.
The key principle is not simply whether a project has an impressive name. The important question is whether it creates genuine, continuing benefit.
Top 5 Sadaqah Jariyah Examples With Costs
If you are wondering how much Sadaqah should be given, there is no fixed Sadaqah amount.
However, project-based giving can make it easier to choose an amount that fits your budget.
The following figures are current Your Impact Foundation project prices, not universal Islamic prices. Costs can change according to country, construction requirements, project type, and local conditions.
| Sadaqah Jariyah project | Current advertised cost | Potential ongoing benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Hand pump | From £200 | Water access for a community |
| Deep water well | Around £1,250 | Water access for 250–300 people |
| Solar water station | Around £5,000 | Water access for 500+ people |
| Orphan sponsorship | From £35/month | Continuing support for a child |
| Educational resources | Varies | Continuing access to beneficial knowledge |
Your Impact Foundation currently lists a £200 hand pump, £1,250 deep water well, and £5,000 solar water station on its water-project page. Its separate 2026 water-well pricing guide gives broader ranges because actual costs vary by location and project type.
1. Water Well — From £200
A water well is one of the clearest examples of a project designed to provide an ongoing practical benefit.
Your Impact Foundation currently advertises:
- Hand pump: £200
- Deep water well: £1,250
- Solar water station: £5,000
The organisation says its wells can serve communities for years, with project duration depending on the type and location.
You can [build a water well as Sadaqah Jariyah] and dedicate it to yourself or someone you wish to honour.
The Prophet ﷺ also approved water as a form of charity in the report concerning Umm Sa’d.
2. Orphan Sponsorship — From £35 per Month
Supporting an orphan can provide continuing assistance with necessities such as food, education, healthcare, and daily living.
Your Impact Foundation currently advertises orphan sponsorship from £35 per month.
Read the guide on [how to sponsor an orphan in Islam] to understand the concept and practical considerations.
3. Solar Water Systems — Around £5,000
Solar-powered water systems can combine water access with renewable energy.
Your Impact Foundation currently lists a solar water station at £5,000, with the project page stating that it can serve 500+ people.
Because infrastructure projects vary considerably by country, donors should check the current project details before contributing.
4. Deep Water Wells — Around £1,250
A deep water well can support a larger group of people than a small household hand pump.
Your Impact Foundation currently lists its deep water well at £1,250, with an estimated reach of 250–300 people for 15–20 years.
For a detailed breakdown of well types and current prices, see [how much it costs to build a water well].
5. Beneficial Knowledge and Education
Sadaqah Jariyah does not have to involve construction.
Supporting beneficial knowledge can also create continuing benefit.
Examples include:
- Educational books
- Islamic learning resources
- Teaching programmes
- Scholarships or learning support
- Useful digital educational resources
The exact ruling for a particular project can depend on how it is structured and the scholarly interpretation being followed.
Why Water Is a Popular Sadaqah Jariyah Choice
Water combines an immediate humanitarian need with the potential for long-term benefit.
A person drinks today, another person may use the same water source tomorrow, and the wider community may continue benefiting for years.
The report of Sa’d ibn Ubadah specifically records the Prophet ﷺ identifying water as the best form of charity in that situation and Sa’d subsequently digging a well for his deceased mother.
Your Impact Foundation currently offers water projects in different formats, including hand pumps, deep wells, and solar water stations.
You can [donate to a water project] and choose an available project according to your budget.
Common Sadaqah Mistakes to Avoid
Sadaqah is simple, but a few mistakes can reduce its practical value or create confusion.
1. Thinking Sadaqah has a fixed percentage
It does not.
There is no universal percentage of income that every Muslim must give as Sadaqah.
Do not confuse voluntary Sadaqah with obligatory Zakat.
2. Believing only money counts
Sadaqah includes many acts of goodness.
The Prophet ﷺ described good actions such as helping others and removing harm as forms of Sadaqah.
3. Treating every charity project as Sadaqah Jariyah
A donation can be valuable without being Sadaqah Jariyah.
Ask whether the benefit genuinely continues beyond the initial act.
4. Assuming a large donation always means greater reward
Islam does not give donors a simple price-to-reward formula.
A smaller donation given sincerely and used effectively can be extremely valuable. Allah knows the intention and reward.
5. Ignoring the organisation’s transparency
Before making a project-based donation, check:
- Where the project operates
- What your donation funds
- Whether the advertised cost is current
- Whether there are additional conditions
- Whether completion evidence is provided
- How maintenance is handled
6. Giving beyond your means
Sadaqah is voluntary.
You should not put yourself or people you are responsible for into financial difficulty simply to make a large donation.
7. Giving for recognition
Sadaqah should be given sincerely for Allah.
Avoid turning charity into a way to seek praise, status, or public recognition.
Sadaqah Jariyah and World Peace Day: Building Peace Through Lasting Good
World Peace Day provides a useful opportunity to think about peace beyond the absence of conflict.
Peace also depends on communities having access to basic needs, education, dignity, healthcare, and opportunities to build stable lives.
A water project can reduce the daily burden of finding safe water. Education can expand opportunity. Orphan support can provide stability to vulnerable children. Community projects can strengthen local resilience.
These are practical forms of giving that can help communities become stronger over time.
Sadaqah Jariyah fits naturally into this idea because its purpose is not simply a one-time transaction. It aims to create continuing benefit.
The Qur’an encourages generous spending through the example of a seed multiplied many times over, while the Sunnah highlights ongoing charity as one of the deeds whose benefit can continue after death.
Start Your Ongoing Reward
You do not need to wait until you can afford a large project.
Sadaqah can start with what you can reasonably give.
You could:
- Give a small amount regularly
- Contribute toward a water well with family members
- Sponsor an orphan
- Support beneficial education
- Provide clean water
- Help a person facing hardship
- Dedicate a charitable project to a loved one
If you want a project specifically designed to provide continuing benefit, a water project is one practical option.
Start your Sadaqah Jariyah today by [supporting a water project].
Your Impact Foundation currently lists water projects including hand pumps from £200, deep wells at £1,250, and solar water stations at £5,000. These are current advertised figures and can change as project requirements change.
15 Quick Answers About Sadaqah Jariyah
What does Sadaqah mean?
Sadaqah means voluntary charity and can also refer more broadly to acts of goodness done for Allah’s sake.
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity whose benefit continues over time.
Is Sadaqah the same as charity?
Sadaqah is commonly translated as voluntary charity, but Islamic sources use the term more broadly to include various acts of goodness.
Is Sadaqah only for Muslims?
Sadaqah is an Islamic charitable practice, but its benefits can be given to people from different backgrounds depending on the type of charity and the applicable Islamic rules.
How much Sadaqah should I give?
There is no fixed percentage for voluntary Sadaqah. Give according to your ability and circumstances.
How many types of Sadaqah are there?
There is no single universally agreed numbered list of “types of Sadaqah.” Sadaqah can include financial donations, material help, useful actions, and other acts of goodness.
Can I give Sadaqah to a mosque?
Yes, you can make a charitable contribution to a mosque or its permissible projects. Whether a particular donation qualifies as Sadaqah Jariyah depends on the nature and continuing benefit of the project.
Is Qurbani Sadaqah?
Qurbani is a distinct Islamic act of sacrifice with its own rules. It can involve charitable distribution of meat, but it should not simply be treated as identical to voluntary Sadaqah.
What is Sadaqah Lillah?
Sadaqah Lillah generally refers to voluntary charity given solely for Allah’s sake. The exact terminology can vary between communities and Islamic charitable organisations.
What is the difference between Sadaqah and Lillah?
Both can describe voluntary giving for Allah’s sake, but terminology and usage can vary. Some organisations use Lillah for donations intended for specific religious or charitable purposes that are not Zakat.
What is Sadaqah Wajibah?
Sadaqah Wajibah refers to charity that becomes obligatory due to a particular Islamic obligation or circumstance. It is different from ordinary voluntary Sadaqah.
What is Sadaqah al-Fitr?
Sadaqah al-Fitr, commonly called Zakat al-Fitr or Fitrana, is a specific obligatory charity connected with the end of Ramadan. It has rules that differ from ordinary voluntary Sadaqah.
How do I give Sadaqah in Ramadan?
You can give voluntary Sadaqah throughout Ramadan. You can support food aid, water projects, orphan support, emergency assistance, education, or other permissible causes.
Can I give Sadaqah on behalf of someone who died?
Yes. There is evidence in the Sunnah that charitable acts can benefit a deceased person, including the report of Sa’d ibn Ubadah giving water charity for his deceased mother.
What is the difference between Sadaqah and Zakat?
Zakat is obligatory when its conditions are met, while Sadaqah is voluntary. Zakat has specific rules about calculation and eligible recipients, while voluntary Sadaqah has broader uses.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sadaqah Jariyah
Can I give Sadaqah Jariyah in my parents’ name?
Yes. Many Muslims dedicate ongoing charitable projects to their parents, whether living or deceased. Specific rulings about transferring reward can vary, so a qualified scholar can advise on individual circumstances.
Is a water well Sadaqah Jariyah?
A water well can be an example of Sadaqah Jariyah when it provides continuing benefit. The Sunnah contains a report in which Sa’d ibn Ubadah dug a well as charity for his deceased mother.
Can several people contribute to one Sadaqah Jariyah project?
Yes. Several people can contribute toward a shared charitable project. Families often pool contributions for larger projects such as wells or community facilities.
Does Sadaqah Jariyah have to be expensive?
No. There is no requirement that Sadaqah Jariyah must cost a particular amount. The project should be within your means and provide genuine ongoing benefit.
Is Sadaqah Jariyah better than ordinary Sadaqah?
The two serve different purposes. Sadaqah Jariyah is specifically associated with continuing benefit, while ordinary Sadaqah can address an immediate need. Both can be valuable acts of worship.
The Bottom Line
Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing form of charity whose benefit continues over time.
It can take many forms, from water projects and educational resources to community facilities and other beneficial initiatives.
The key is not the size of the donation. It is the combination of sincere intention, permissible giving, genuine benefit, and responsible distribution.
If you want to start with a practical project, a water well can provide a continuing source of benefit to a community. The Sunnah also records the Prophet ﷺ identifying water as an excellent form of charity in the case of Sa’d ibn Ubadah’s deceased mother.
Your Impact Foundation currently offers several water-project options, including hand pumps, deep wells, and solar water stations. Current advertised prices start at £200 for a hand pump, while larger projects cost more depending on the technology and location.
Make your Sadaqah Jariyah count beyond today. [Start a water project] and create a source of benefit that can continue serving people long after your donation.
Note: Islamic rulings concerning giving Sadaqah on behalf of others, specific types of charitable projects, and the transfer of reward can differ among scholars. For a personal religious ruling, consult a qualified scholar.
