Sadaqah is voluntary charity in Islam, distinct from the obligatory Zakat. Sadaqah Jariyah — ongoing charity — continues to earn rewards after you give. Building a school or sponsoring a child's education are among the most powerful forms of Sadaqah Jariyah.
While Zakat is obligatory, Sadaqah is voluntary charity given purely to seek the pleasure of Allah. It can be given at any time, in any amount, by anyone — and it carries immense spiritual reward. You can give your Sadaqah here at any moment the intention strikes you.
Sadaqah is any act of kindness given without expecting anything in return. It isn't limited to money: the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that even a smile, removing harm from a path, or speaking a kind word is a form of Sadaqah. But financial Sadaqah — feeding a hungry child, clothing an orphan, or funding a classroom — is among the most impactful ways to give.
Sadaqah Jariyah means "ongoing" or "continuous" charity. It refers to good deeds that keep benefitting people — and keep earning you reward — long after the initial gift, even after you pass away. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them." — Sahih Muslim
This is why building a school is the ultimate Sadaqah Jariyah. Every child who learns to read in that classroom, every teacher who earns a living there, and every generation educated within its walls continues to earn reward for the donor. Discover how you can build a school and leave a legacy that outlives you.
Many donors fulfil their Zakat obligation first using our Zakat Calculator, then give additional Sadaqah to multiply their reward and reach causes their Zakat may not cover.
Some gifts keep giving for years or even generations. The most powerful forms of Sadaqah Jariyah include building schools, funding education, providing clean water, and sponsoring an orphan so that a vulnerable child grows into a self-sufficient, educated adult. Educating a girl, in particular, has a ripple effect across an entire community — read about the transformative power of girls' education.