In Islam, many acts can lead to innumerable rewards
both today and hereafter, commonly known as Sadaqah Jariyah. The article
discusses how Sadaqah Jariyah helps us to hold on to hope this Ramadan.
Sadaqah Jariyah
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
The literal meaning of Sadaqah Jariyah is “A
continuous, flowing charity”. An act of giving in a way that keeps on giving.
For example, if you were to take a position in planting a tree, that tree would
then continue to supply shelter for as long because it stands, Likewise, it is
Sadaqah to give someone a glass of water, build a mosque, school, or hospital,
meaning you shall receive an ongoing reward for as long as it stands, too.
Moreover, you will continue to earn rewards for
Sadaqah Jariyah for as long as people will benefit from it. The rewards are
greatest if we invest our money in our Hereafter, not only for today but for
long after we have passed away.
‘When a man dies, his deeds come to an
end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (continuing charity), beneficial
knowledge, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him. [Muslim]
The above-mentioned Hadees is such a great example of
Allah’s Generosity towards his people. Allah rewards us on multiple occasions
for doing one good deed.
Sadaqah Jariyah: Endless Gift of Hope
from Allah
How does Sadaqah Jariyah help us hold on to hope?
Life is short as our time is limited on this earth,
and everyone has their busy schedule.
A third of each day is spent sleeping and a third of
each day working, including eating, running errands, commuting, and just
sitting down to take a breath and relax, we have barely any time left at all.
Prayer is a light, charity is proof (of one’s faith). The time for praying,
making du’a, or giving charity is so small. In the blink of an eye fixed, our
life passes us by.
Sadaqah Jariyah is our chance to please Allah and gain
his rewards even when we pass away. One should spend money, time, and efforts
in giving Sadaqah Jariyah for the pleasure of Allah as the rewards are nothing
but success for its own, especially in the life Hereafter. Our Iman increases
as we give more Sadaqah. Giving Sadaqah does not decrease our wealth but
instead, Allah (S.W.T) increases it:
“Allah will deprive usury of all
blessing but will give increase for deeds of charity: for He loves not
creatures ungrateful and sinner.” (Qur’an, 2: 276)
It's never too late, but some people will ask Allah
for more time so that they can spend it on Sadaqah and give charity. Sadaqah
Jariyah is so powerful that it will let a person pass away in peace knowing
that Allah, the Most Merciful and Generous will give the rewards and has not
finished recording his good deeds yet.
Sadaqah Jariyah allows us to carry on to the present
hope. Allah is pleased with us for being hopeful, for having faith in his
generosity:
‘Verily, thinking well about Allah may
be a part of the superb worship of Allah’. [Tirmidhi]
We can easily perform good deeds even by smiling and
Zikr (remembrance of Allah), which we can do at any time and get rewards.
Sadaqah Jariyah: A Truly Valuable and
Successful Investment
We spend a lot on worldly investments that bring us
comfort and pleasure, knowing that we can't take them with us after we pass
away. It is better to invest in the path of Allah and gain rewards hereafter.
‘Do not be consumed with acquiring
property, such you place your hope within the world’. [Tirmidhi]
It is far better and a valuable action to invest in
Sadaqah Jariyah than ‘acquiring property’.
Invest your wealth in the afterlife rather than in
this world. Success is defined by earning Allah’s pleasure and not earning any
material comfort as Sadaqah Jariyah is a truly successful investment.
Sadaqah Jariyah: A Gift of Comfort
During Grief
How does Sadaqah Jariyah help us to comfort during
grief?
A single good deed can give years of rewards. You can
also give Sadaqah Jariyah a gorgeous gift to your loved ones who have given up
the ghost, ensuring they need the prospect to earn rewards even in their
graves.
E.g., you can give a copy of the Quran, and whenever a
person recites it you gain reward.
“When a human being dies all his action
comes to an end except in one of three ways: a continuing act of charity, a
useful contribution to knowledge, and a dutiful child who prays for him.”
We never know when our death has been decreed for us,
Hereafter is everlasting. As today we live, and we never know how long we will
enjoy the pleasure of this world, but life hereafter is nothing compared to
this world.
We should prepare ourselves for the life Hereafter. We
should continue earning Allah’s rewards by giving Sadaqah that continues to
benefit others. Sadaqah can be given in many ways by building schools, mosques,
and water wells. Allah has blessed us with wealth, let us not delay to give for
the sole pleasure of Allah.
Sadaqah Jariyah: Share the Blessings
Sharing and spreading knowledge is a great deed.
Knowledge is a treasure that increases by sharing it with others. Every time a
person benefits from such religious material i.e. Quran given by others as a
Sadaqah Jariyah, he earns a great reward from Allah.
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
‘Whoever guides someone to goodness will
have a gift like one who did it. [Muslim]
