Yes, you can give sadaqah (also known as sadaqa or charity) when loved ones die. When a loved one passes away, you may want to honor their legacy with a gift of charity. In Islam, there are a few ways to honor their legacy. Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace said:
When the human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Muslim).
Sadaqah Jariyah (also known as sadaqah jariya) is often done as a way to honor the deceased and as a way to seek blessings for them.
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah Jariyah literally translates from its original Arabic as "flowing," or "running" (jariyah) "charity" (sadaqah), meaning charity that one gives in life that continues to provide charitable benefit to recipients and, therefore, divine reward to its giver, even after its donor passes away from this life.
Giving ongoing charity, also known as sadaqah jariyah, for the deceased is encouraged in Islam. When you give sadaqah jariyah, you are providing a lifeline that keeps on giving.
What are some types of Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah jariyah are charitable acts that provide ongoing benefits to the recipient after the donor's death. Some examples of sadaqah jariyah include:
Building a mosque or Islamic center
Donating to a charitable organization or cause that helps people on a long-term basis
Sponsoring a child's education or providing scholarships
Planting trees or starting a community garden
Providing clean drinking water to a community
Building a well or other infrastructure that benefits a community
Funding medical treatment or research that helps to improve people's lives.
These are just a few examples, and many other types of sadaqah jariyah can be done to benefit others and earn ongoing rewards in the hereafter.