Sadaqah Jariyah
صَدَقَة جَارِيَة
Pronunciation: sa-DA-qah jah-REE-yah
"Continuous charity" — a charitable act whose reward continues after the giver's death, such as endowing a well, school, or trust.
Definition
Literally "flowing" or "continuous" charity. A category of charitable giving whose benefit — and therefore reward to the giver — extends beyond death. The Prophet ź said: "When a person dies, all of his deeds end except three: a sadaqah jariyah, knowledge that benefits people, or a righteous child who prays for him" (Sahih Muslim).
Classical examples include building a mosque, digging a well, planting trees, or establishing a waqf (charitable trust). In modern estate planning, sadaqah jariyah is typically funded through the one-third bequest (wasiyyah) — the portion of an Islamic will that can be directed to non-heir beneficiaries and charitable causes.
Research referencing Sadaqah Jariyah
Human-reviewed research briefs in the HalalWallet library that discuss Sadaqah Jariyah.
Related Terms
Sadaqahصدقة
Voluntary charitable giving — distinct from obligatory zakat.
Wasiyyahوصية
An Islamic will — allowing a Muslim to bequeath up to one-third of their estate outside the fixed inheritance shares.
Waqfوقف
An Islamic endowment — assets permanently dedicated to a charitable purpose.
Rahmahرَحْمَة
Mercy, compassion, and care — the defining Quranic attribute of Allah, central to Islamic ethics.
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Sadaqah Jariyah (صَدَقَة جَارِيَة) — "Continuous charity" — a charitable act whose reward continues after the giver's death, such as endowing a well, school, or trust. Literally "flowing" or "continuous" charity. A category of charitable giving whose benefit — and therefore reward to the giver — extends beyond death.
- "Continuous charity" — a charitable act whose reward continues after the giver's death, such as endowing a well, school, or trust.
- Category: Charitable
- Related: Sadaqah, Wasiyyah, Waqf, Rahmah
- Compare related Shariah-compliant products on HalalWallet
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Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-07-01
Editorial Team, HalalWallet
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