Sadaqa e Jariyah

[RoohAfzah Khatoon]

Salam.  What is Sadaqa e Jaariyah please?

[Ruhi_Rose]

Walaykum As-salam.  Sadaqa Jariyah is a charity with an ongoing blessing for the giver .. the reward keeps multiplying.  This implies that the person can perhaps continue to reap the rewards even after they leave this dunya. 
 
Examples:  If someone constructs a well, the person is rewarded every time a human being or an animal drinks from that well.  If someone plants a tree, they are rewarded each time that tree provides shade to a tired wayfarer.  If someone decides to build a school, that person is rewarded for every child educated in that school. 

It's basically a Hadith concept, so I don't have much more to say. 

[RoohAfzah Khatoon]

Is Sadaqa Jarriya in the Quran?

[Ruhi_Rose]

The expression ‘Sadaqa Jariya’ is not in the Quran as far as my knowledge goes.  However, indirectly the concept of sadaqa jariya might be included, reference V.36:12 of Surah Ya Sin as follows:

"We record that which they send before (them, and their footprints. And all things We have kept in a clear Register."  36:12  Ya Sin.

This Verse basically refers to a person’s deeds.  It is very likely that “footprints” alludes to the affects or impact of a deceased person’s worldly deeds on other people.  This can be either positive or negative, whether a person leaves behind a good influence on their family and society or otherwise.    

[RoohAfzah Khatoon]

JazekAllah khairan for the information.

[Ayah Hilmi]

As salam Aleycum Muslim Villa.  Thank u ruhi rose for explaining with examples.  I require a clarification.  The person who builds well, school, hospital, plants tree and so on will reap sadaqa jariyah each time someone benefits from these nice investments.  What about those who later donate for these causes either during Ramadan or as regular donors on other months?  will they also receive the benefit of Allah's blessings because of the benefits reaped by the community?

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Walaikum as-Salam.  Well yes, those people who donate later to such philanthropic structures will also benefit for the simple reason that sincere charity is never wasted.  To what extent a regular donor or a one-time donor may continuously benefit because of the help derived by users of these structures is known to Allah only.  It’s impossible for us to make declarations like the Hadith does.  We have to leave it to Allah.  We should only be focused on doing our own job, that is, giving charity (zakah) or doing charitable works in accordance with our financial situation and for the sake of Allah Almighty. 

[Ayah Hilmi]

“The semblance of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah SWT, is as the likeness of a grain of corn, which grows seven ears and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah SWT gives manifold increase to whomever He pleases. Allah SWT is All-Sufficient, All-Knowing.”
- The Holy Qur’an (2:261)

Is the above  verse about sadqa jariya as I have been told by some?

[Heba E. Husseyn]

That can be confirmed only by Allah.  It seems like a reference to general charity, the act of giving for a deserving cause or to the needy.  Verse 36:12 as quoted by Sister Ruhi seems more specifically in conformity with the concept of reward or retribution continuing after death depending on a person’s deeds as to what extent those deeds helped, guided or misguided others.

[Eroosa]

There are many secular people who also build wells, schools, hospitals, roads etc. but not for the sake of Allah.  They say they only give to satisfy their conscience.  How should we assess them, can they be worthy of Allah’s reward?

[Heba E. Husseyn]

With reference to the Noble Quran, the assessment is that the success of such people is only be limited up to this world (if Allah wills).  In the Hereafter they will get no recompense, no rewards, no benefits.  Complete losers.

Supporting my response with direct references from the Noble Quran which are self-explanatory:

Whoso desires that (life) which hastens away, We hasten for him therein what We will for whom We please. And afterward We have appointed for him hell; he will endure the heat thereof, condemned, rejected.  17:18  Al-Isra.

And whoso desires the Hereafter and strives for it with the effort necessary, being a believer; for such, their effort finds favor (with their Rabb).  17:19  Al-Isra.

Each do We supply, both these and those, from the bounty of your Rabb. And the bounty of your Rabb can never be walled up.  17:20  Al-Isra.

[Eroosa]

True.

[RoohAfzah Khatoon]

So, the rewards of sadaqa jariyah continue after death be taken as true as per the Quran?

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Only Allah Almighty can confirm that.  The Quran does not anywhere specifically endorse the concept of sadaqa jariyah which sprouts exclusively from hadith. 

Such aspects must be left to Allah for decision.  We should be focused only on our job, that is, give charity (zakah) or carry out charitable work of building welfare outlets, in accordance with our financial status.  Accounting of rewards for each person must be left to Allah.