Importance of charity in Islam

Islam is a religion that is not limited to the personal form of worship. In fact, it is a way of life. It encompasses every aspect of life. It gives huge importance to the social and economic welfare of the whole society. This is the reason why there is so much emphasis on charity in Islam. So much so, that zakat (charity) is the third pillar of Islam. It is an obligatory form of worship for those who have wealth greater than a prescribed limit. Allah says in the Holy Quran: -  “Indeed, it is We who bring the dead to life and record what they have put forth and what they left behind, and all things We have accounted for in a clear register.” (Qur’an, 36:12)

Meaning of Sadaqah

Sadaqah refers to the voluntary act of charity with someone else to attain the goodwill of Allah. This can be in the form of financial or physical help. Not just that, but if you guide someone with good intent to protect the person from wrongdoings, a noble gesture or even a smile can be a form of Sadaqah.

Meaning of Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah Jariya refers to those acts of voluntary charity that not just benefit the direct recipient but it is a continuous form of the charity whose benefits are flowing and ongoing. The benefits of Sadaqah Jariyah are not just limited to one’s lifetime but continue even after a person's deceases. This means he is able to earn a reward even after his death if he engages in Sadaqah Jariyah.

Ways of Sadaqah Jariyah

There are many forms of Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam as it is known to us from ahadith. Here are some of those acts: -

• Sponsorship of an orphan: -

Islam vehemently advocates the rights of the weak and poor people. At many places in the Holy Quran, Allah commands the believers to be merciful and benevolent with the orphans. Children today are the generation of tomorrow. Every child has the right to proper education and upbringing. Unfortunately, those who are orphaned at a young age are deprived of the protective shelter of parents. Hence, sponsoring an orphan in the form of food, education, health, shelter, and moral support is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah. It is because when you support a child you not only support him but everyone who will be associated with him when he grows up into a civilized and responsible citizen.

• Spreading education Sadaqah Jariyah: -

Spending time, effort and money for the cause of spreading knowledge and education especially if it is related to Islam is considered as Sadaqah Jariyah. When a person teaches recitation of the Holy Quran to someone he receives the reward of it every time he recites the Holy Quran.

• Contributing to access to clean water: -

Water is the most essential thing needed for life. We are very fortunate to have an ample supply of water. However, not everyone is that lucky. There are millions of people around the world who are deprived of clean drinking water. Contributing towards the construction of water wells, tube wells and hand pumps that allow people to have access to water is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah

• Construction of places like mosques, schools, hospitals or rest house for wayfarers: -

Donating for the construction of buildings that benefit the general public such as mosques, schools, hospitals and rest houses for travelers is a source of Sadaqah Jariyah. It must be noted that the intent should be pure and free from any sort of greed, for Allah knows everything that is in our hearts.

• Donation of the Quran and other religious study material: -

Sharing and spreading knowledge is a great deed. Knowledge is that treasure which increases by sharing. So when a person donates the Holy Quran and other religious material he earns a great reward. Every time a person benefits from such material, the one who donated shall receive the reward from Allah. Hence it is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah.