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Heri Mahbub Nugraha
Almsgiving is a charity that outlives its owner. The rewards flow uninterruptedly. Imagine those who give alms to the Koran. Every letter read from the mushaf continues to give him a reward. So, find the deep meaning and inspiration behind this Jariyah reward.
Quran Cordoba - Have we ever wondered if there are any deeds whose rewards continue to flow even after the body is buried and the name is slowly forgotten?
The answer is ongoing charity —a remarkable concept in Islam that makes a Muslim's life meaningful, even after death.
Imagine someone who donated the Koran. Every letter read from the mushaf brings a reward for him. Or the Al-Qur'an alms learning program - every child who memorizes it there becomes a witness to uninterrupted charity.
Rasulullah ﷺ said:
"If a person dies, then his deeds are cut off except for three things:
charity, useful knowledge, and pious children who pray for him." (HR. Muslim)
a never-ending wellspring of rewards ongoing charity is the most tangible form of charity that anyone can do—from the wealthy to the humble.
Linguistically, jariyah means "flowing." Therefore, jariyah charity is charity whose rewards continue to flow as long as others benefit from it.
For example:
Every time a person prays, drinks water, recites the Quran, contemplates it or learns from it, the reward continues to flow to the giver, even after he has passed away .
Three types of uninterrupted good deeds. In the hadith above, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explains three types of good deeds that constitute eternal store of reward :
1. Continuous Charity (الصَّدَقَةُ الجَارِيَةُ)
Charity whose benefits are continuously felt. It is not the size of the amount that Allah values, but the sincerity of the heart that sows the reward.
2. Beneficial Knowledge (عِلْمٌ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ)
Knowledge that is taught and continued to be practiced by others. A teacher, a book writer, a memorizer of the Qur'an — all have the potential to have an endless “chain of rewards.”
3. A righteous child who prays for his parents (وَلَدٌ صَالِحٌ يَدْعُو لَهُ)
A righteous child is a reflection of the upbringing of his parents. Their prayers become a spiritual gift that elevates the status of his parents in the grave.
In another history, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Indeed, what a believer finds from the deeds and good deeds he does after he dies is:
1. Useful knowledge and share it.
2. The pious child he left behind.
3. Mushaf of the Koran that was inherited.
4. The mosque he built.
5. Home of Ibn Sabil (traveler who was cut off from his journey)
6. The public river that he flows.
7. Alms [waqf] that he gave from his wealth when he was healthy and alive.
This hadith emphasizes that every deed that provides ongoing benefits will continue to be a source of reward, even though the doer has long passed away.
Imam As-Suyuthi rahimahullah in his verses even mentioned that there are ten ongoing deeds whose rewards continue to flow after death, including:
From here we learn that ongoing charity is not limited to money or buildings , but all forms of goodness whose benefits continue.
In the digital age, opportunities for ongoing charity are even broader. These opportunities are now wide open, including:
· We can participate in digital waqf programs , such as building mosques, Islamic boarding schools, or waqf wells.
· We can donate copies of the Qur'an , Islamic books, or Islamic content that teaches goodness.
· Even by writing inspiring articles , inspiring preaching content or videos, sharing knowledge on social media — that can also be a continuous charity.
As long as the benefits are still felt, the rewards of jariyah will not stop flowing.
Every rupiah, every smile, every step, every finger that types goodness — can become a charity that bears endless fruit .
Conclusion: Make Continuous Charity an Investment in the Hereafter
Life is short, but rewards can be extended through good deeds. Almsgiving is not just about giving, it is about continuing life in blessings .
As long as the benefits remain, the rewards will continue to flow — even when the body has been buried and the world has moved on.
Let's make every charity given in the Quran an opportunity to share steps toward blessings. For, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Almsgiving will not decrease wealth." (Narrated by Muslim)
Also Read: The Secret of Quranic Waqf and Continuous Charity in the Path of Allah
Wallahu'alam
