Remembering a Loved One Through Sadaqah Jariyah: A Meaningful Way to Give

Losing someone you love can leave a deep emptiness in your heart. For Muslims, one beautiful way to remember a deceased parent, relative, spouse, friend, or another loved one is through Sadaqah Jariyah—an ongoing form of charity intended to continue benefiting people over time.

Sadaqah Jariyah can turn remembrance into a lasting act of kindness. Instead of being limited to a single donation, an ongoing charitable project may continue providing benefit for months, years, or even longer.

Islamic teachings also establish that giving charity on behalf of a deceased person can benefit them. In Sahih al-Bukhari 2756, Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ whether giving charity on behalf of his deceased mother would benefit her. The Prophet ﷺ replied in the affirmative, after which Sa'd gave his garden in charity on her behalf.

What Is Sadaqah Jariyah?

Sadaqah Jariyah means ongoing or continuous charity. Unlike a one-time charitable gift, it is generally understood as a charitable contribution that continues to provide benefit.

A well that provides water, useful educational resources, a sustainable community project, or beneficial knowledge can be examples of ongoing charity, depending on how the project is structured.

The importance of continuing charity is highlighted in Sahih Muslim 1631, where the Prophet ﷺ taught that when a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three, including continuing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.

This is why Sadaqah Jariyah is often chosen as a way to remember someone who has passed away.

 

Remembering a Loved One Through Sadaqah Jariyah

Can You Give Sadaqah Jariyah on Behalf of a Loved One?

Yes, there is strong evidence that charity can be given on behalf of a deceased loved one.

The hadith of Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah provides a clear example. His mother died while he was away, and he asked the Prophet ﷺ whether charity given on her behalf would benefit her. The Prophet ﷺ said yes, and Sa'd subsequently gave his garden as charity for her.

Another narration reports that a man asked whether charity would benefit his mother who had died suddenly. The Prophet ﷺ also confirmed that it would. This provides an important basis for Muslims who wish to perform charitable acts in memory of a deceased family member.

Therefore, if you want to remember your mother, father, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or another deceased Muslim through charity, you can make the intention that the charity is being given on their behalf.

Why Choose Sadaqah Jariyah to Remember Someone?

There are several meaningful reasons Muslims choose ongoing charity as a memorial for a loved one.

1. It Can Create Lasting Benefit

A one-time donation may meet an immediate need, while an ongoing project can continue helping people.

For example, supporting a water project may help people access water repeatedly. Similarly, educational initiatives can benefit students over an extended period.

The purpose is not simply to create a memorial, but to provide genuine benefit to others while making the intention for the deceased.

2. It Reflects Islamic Values

Islam strongly encourages generosity, compassion, and helping people in need. Giving charity in memory of someone allows their loved ones to respond to grief through an act of kindness.

Islamic Relief UK describes Sadaqah Jariyah as voluntary ongoing charity and gives examples such as water projects, education, and other initiatives that can provide continuing benefit.

3. It Can Be a Meaningful Memorial

Traditional memorials may commemorate a person's life, but Sadaqah Jariyah can connect remembrance with practical help.

A family might support clean water, education, a mosque project, beneficial knowledge, or another legitimate charitable initiative in memory of someone they loved.

The focus should remain on sincerely seeking Allah's pleasure and helping others.

Sadaqah Jariyah Ideas for a Loved One

If you are looking for Sadaqah Jariyah ideas for a deceased loved one, consider projects that provide a continuing benefit.

Water Projects

Water is one of the commonly used examples of ongoing charity. Supporting a legitimate water project can help communities access water over time.

Education

Supporting education can create long-term benefits. This could include educational facilities, learning resources, scholarships, or other appropriate charitable initiatives.

Beneficial Islamic Knowledge

Helping spread beneficial knowledge can also have lasting effects. Educational materials and legitimate knowledge projects may continue benefiting people after the original contribution.

Mosque or Community Projects

Contributing toward a qualifying long-term mosque or community project can be another option, depending on the project's structure and charitable purpose.

Sustainable Livelihood Projects

Some charitable organisations support projects designed to help families become more self-sufficient, such as sustainable agriculture or livelihood initiatives.

When selecting a project, look beyond the label “Sadaqah Jariyah” and ask how the donation will actually create continuing benefit.

How to Give Sadaqah Jariyah for a Deceased Loved One

Giving Sadaqah Jariyah does not have to be complicated.

Step 1: Make your intention.
Intend that you are giving the charity sincerely for Allah and that it is being given on behalf of your loved one.

Step 2: Choose a suitable project.
Look for a genuine charitable project that provides ongoing benefit rather than simply relying on the phrase “Sadaqah Jariyah.”

Step 3: Check the organisation.
If donating online, investigate the charity and understand where your money is going.

Step 4: Donate according to your means.
Sadaqah does not require you to spend beyond what you can reasonably afford.

Step 5: Make dua for your loved one.
Alongside charity, remember the deceased in your prayers and ask Allah to forgive them and have mercy upon them.

Does Sadaqah Jariyah Have to Be Expensive?

No. You do not need to wait until you can afford a large donation.

The important consideration is the nature of the charitable project and the sincerity of the intention. Several people can also contribute toward one larger project.

For example, family members might collectively support a water, education, or community project in memory of their loved one.

What matters is not simply the size of the donation, but that the charity is genuine, permissible, and beneficial.

Sadaqah vs. Sadaqah Jariyah

It is useful to understand the difference.

Sadaqah is voluntary charity and can include many forms of giving. A donation that provides food to someone in need, for example, can be Sadaqah.

Sadaqah Jariyah refers specifically to continuing charity or a charitable benefit that continues over time.

Not every charitable donation is automatically Sadaqah Jariyah. The ongoing nature of the benefit is an important part of the concept.

Choosing a Charity Safely

If you are giving Sadaqah Jariyah online, take time to check the organisation before donating.

For donors in the UK, the government provides a Charity Register where you can check information about registered charities in England and Wales, including their aims, trustees, and financial information. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate charity registers.

Be especially careful with donation appeals received through unfamiliar social media accounts, messages, or unexpected links. A trustworthy charity should be able to explain its work and how donations are used.

Remembering a Loved One With Dua and Charity

Sadaqah Jariyah should not be viewed simply as a replacement for dua. Muslims can remember deceased loved ones by asking Allah to forgive them, show them mercy, and grant them a good place in the Hereafter.

Giving charity can become another meaningful expression of love.

The example of Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah shows that charity on behalf of a deceased mother was recognised by the Prophet ﷺ.

For families experiencing grief, an ongoing charitable project can also become a positive way of carrying forward the memory of someone who mattered deeply.

 

Remembering a Loved One Through Sadaqah Jariyah

Asked Questions

Can I give Sadaqah Jariyah for my deceased parents?

Yes. Authentic hadith establish that charity given on behalf of a deceased parent can benefit them. Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah gave charity on behalf of his deceased mother after receiving confirmation from the Prophet ﷺ.

What is the best Sadaqah Jariyah for a loved one?

There is no single project that must be chosen in every situation. A good option is a legitimate project that provides meaningful and continuing benefit, such as water, education, beneficial knowledge, or an appropriate community project.

Can several family members contribute together?

Yes. Family members can contribute toward a charitable project together, while making their own sincere intentions.

Can I give Sadaqah Jariyah online?

Yes, charitable giving can be done online, but donors should verify the organisation and understand the project before making a payment.

Is every donation Sadaqah Jariyah?

No. Sadaqah is broader. Sadaqah Jariyah specifically refers to ongoing charity or continuing benefit. A one-time donation that meets an immediate need is still Sadaqah, but it may not necessarily qualify as Sadaqah Jariyah.

Final Thoughts

Remembering a loved one through Sadaqah Jariyah can be a deeply meaningful way to turn love and remembrance into continuing benefit for others.

Whether you choose to support clean water, education, beneficial knowledge, a community project, or another legitimate charitable cause, the goal should be sincere charity for the sake of Allah and benefit for people.

For a deceased loved one, authentic Islamic evidence supports giving charity on their behalf.

A person's life may end, but the kindness inspired by their memory can continue through acts of charity. Sadaqah Jariyah therefore offers families a meaningful opportunity to remember someone while helping others and hoping for Allah's mercy and acceptance.