We as Muslims have rights over each other, and we maintain that connection of community across the lines of socioeconomic status. This is especially true for Sadaqah Jariyah, as benefactors are not just fulfilling the short-term needs of the poor. Instead, this type of charity creates ongoing access to resources that will develop the community from the inside out. Here are some great examples of Sadaqah Jariyah!
1. Teach a Valuable Skill
Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace, said, “Whoever imparts knowledge will have the reward of whoever acted upon it, without detracting from the reward of one who acted.” If one takes the initiative to share the knowledge that Allah (s) has blessed them with, they will reap the reward every time their student enacts that knowledge. For example, if one were to teach a child to pray, they would reap the reward of every prayer they performed.
2. Build Integral Community Centers: Masjids, Schools, and Healthcare Centers
One can contribute to the building of these institutions by financing their needs or donating time and effort to physically support their construction. Playing any role in the development of these facilities will reap the benefactor a long-standing reward, just as long as they are open and in service. That is because these organizations provide an ongoing resource for the physical, spiritual, social, and emotional needs of the entire community. In this way, God is highly encouraging us to not only support these institutions but to advocate for their establishment in areas that need them the most.
3. Plant Crops or Donate Livestock
These are opportunities to develop a community’s agriculture. There are many communities that utilize farming to not only sustain their direct food needs but to support their livelihood for years to come. For example, fruit-bearing plants and animals may provide goods that can be sold for financial gain, or they can even support the cultivation of damaged land to be developed for later use.
4. Caring for an Orphan
Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace, stated, “If you want to soften your heart, then feed the poor and pat the head of the orphan.” One may tend to the physical needs of an orphan by sponsoring them financially or donating goods, like clothes and food. The Prophet, on him be peace also noted the importance of fulfilling their emotional needs; one may execute this by welcoming an orphan into their home or spending time with them. Caring for orphans translates into a reward that stands the test of time, even after one has stopped giving to them. That is because these donations can provide them with the means to enact certain deeds. For example, they may learn valuable knowledge in school, become closer to their masjid, or even simply pray for those that supported them.
5. Provide Clean Water
According to the Prophet, on him be peace: “The best charity is giving water to drink.” Water is a basic need of all people, yet some have limited access to drinkable water. In fact, one-third of the world’s population cannot access clean water. An easy way to make water more accessible for others is to invest in the building of a well or other water infrastructures. Making clean water accessible can serve entire communities of people that need water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining crops and livestock. By supporting this day-to-day need, one may be rewarded for all the ways a community thrives as a result of this contribution.
