How To Give Sadaqah Jariyah In The UK
Charity is one of the most important tenets of the Islamic faith. Many passages in the Quran outline the requirement to help others selflessly and regularly. This is known as Sadaqah Jariyah.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- what Sadaqah Jariyah is, and what makes it different from Sadaqah
- types of Sadaqah Jariyah
- how you can give Sadaqah Jariyah in the UK.
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah Jariyah translates to “ongoing charity.” In Islam, it’s believed that Allah rewards those who give charity continuously throughout their life. These rewards continue even after you pass away. So for many Muslims, giving Sadaqah Jariyah is an essential part of their faith.
What’s the difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah refers to a charitable act that helps someone or something for a finite amount of time. For example, if you donate food to a food bank, you will help a family eat for a few days.
Sadaqah Jariyah, on the other hand, are acts of charity that have an ongoing legacy and help others far into the future. For example, planting fruit trees or vegetable gardens provide food on an ongoing basis, helping people ensure they have enough to eat for many years or even generations to come.
Types of Sadaqah Jariyah
The most common types of Sadaqah Jariyah include:
- Planting trees and crops to grow food
- Building wells, irrigation systems, and other sustainable water projects
- Building or supporting schools and mosques
- Teaching skills people can use to support themselves and their families
- Supporting health charities and research
- Preserving Islam through sharing teachings from the Quran.
When should you give Sadaqah Jariyah?
You can give Sadaqah Jariyah at any time and for any reason. But there are certain times of year that people usually offer Sadaqah Jariyah. The holy months of Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah are particularly popular for giving Sadaqah Jariyah.
Many Muslims also decide to give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of a loved one after they pass away.
How to give Sadaqah Jariyah in the UK
In the UK, we’re lucky that our infrastructure means most people have access to clean water, food, and education. So many Muslims in the UK choose to support Sadaqah Jariyah projects in other countries, where millions of people can benefit from their ongoing charitable support. This may involve visiting other countries to help build schools or wells, or giving money to enable these projects to take place.
But there are also many ways to give Sadaqah Jariyah to help people in the UK:
1. Donate books
Education is one of the best ways to provide ongoing support to others. By donating books to a local school or mosque, you can help children and other people learn.
2. Volunteer to teach valuable skills
Sharing your skills with others helps them support themselves and their families. Consider hosting cooking classes at a local food bank, or teaching English language classes for people in your community who lack confidence speaking English.
3. Share your skills with friends and family
Continuous charity can start with those closest to you. Share your knowledge and skills with people in your community who could benefit from them. This can include money management, computer skills, or help with job applications.
4. Plant wildflowers
It’s not just people who need our help to thrive. Looking after nature and cultivating wildlife is another way to give Sadaqah Jariyah. Planting wildflowers in your garden supports your local ecosystem, helping bees and other animal populations thrive.
5. Carry out repairs
Making sure people have safe places to live, work, and worship is also considered Sadaqah Jariyah. If you’re handy with a hammer, help your local mosque carry out any repairs it might need. You can also offer these free services to your friends and neighbours.
6. Teach people to read
16% of UK adults have the lowest levels of literacy. In your spare time, consider supporting other adults in your community to read with confidence.
Other ways to support your community
If you’re looking for more ways to help your community thrive, you could set up a rotating savings and credit association or committee. It’s a great way to help people save for the things that are most important to them, such as visiting family abroad or paying for a wedding.
Learn more about setting up a rotating savings club.