headstone at graveyard sadaqah for deceased

Sadaqah for the deceased

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can provide a family with food for a month

can provide four people with medical treatment through a mobile health clinic in Jordan

can provide an essential hygiene kit to four families living in conflict

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In Islam, there are various types of charity that Muslims can perform throughout their lifetime. Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr or Fitrana are forms of obligatory charity, whilst Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah are voluntary forms of charity. These forms of charity, when performed sincerely for Allah’s (SWT) sake, can earn His pleasure in this life and the next.

Among the many blessings of Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), is that it can be performed on behalf of another Muslim after they have passed away.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) confirmed this in a number of strong Hadith, including the following:

It was narrated in al-Saheehayn from ‘Aa’ishah (RA) that a man said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “My mother died suddenly, and she did not leave a will, but I think that if she could have spoken, she would have given in charity. Will she have a reward if I give in charity on her behalf?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Yes.”

Hadith | Bukhari, 1388; Muslim, 1004

And it was narrated by Sahih al-Bukhari from Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah that his mother died when he was absent, and he said:

Oh Messenger of Allah, my mother has died when I was absent. Will it benefit her if I give in charity on her behalf?” He said: “Yes.” He said: “I ask you to bear witness that my garden that bears fruit is given in charity on her behalf.

Hadith | Bukhari, 2756

Alhamdullilah, due to the blessings of Sadaqah we can seek comfort in this beautiful act of charity and in the knowledge that Sadaqah on behalf of the deceased will benefit them and the reward will reach them.

Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of the deceased

Another of the blessings of Sadaqah is that it doesn’t have to take the form of monetary donations. The act of removing something harmful from the road, the act of smiling, and the act of sharing beneficial knowledge can all be considered an act of Sadaqah. However, when you perform Sadaqah on behalf of someone who is deceased, you can do the following:

Reading Qur’an on their behalf (according to the Hanafi and Hanbali madhabs)
Performing Hajj and/or Umrah on their behalf
Du’as for forgiveness on their behalf

A popular form of Sadaqah for a deceased person is Sadaqah Jariyah, which is a beautiful, sustainable ongoing charity that has a multitude of benefits.

In a famous hadith, The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), or knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him”. (Hadith | Muslim)

Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah

Building a well

Planting a tree

Building a school

Building a Mosque

Providing education to those in need

Creating a home or shelter for people or animals

Teaching someone a valuable skill

We ensure our content is reviewed and verified by qualified scholars to provide you with the most accurate information. This webpage was last reviewed by Sheikh Salim Al-Azhari.

Page last reviewed: 31 August 2022

Sadaqah

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