# Sadaqah Jariyah for a Parent Who Has Passed Away

Give ongoing charity for your mother or father: a water well, a masjid or an orphan's care, in their name. What the Sunnah says and how to start.

Source: https://ghh.org.uk/sadaqah-jariyah-for-parents/
Updated: 2026-10-01T19:59:37+00:00

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# Sadaqah Jariyah for a parent who has passed away

Losing a parent leaves many of us asking what we can still do for them. The Sunnah gives a clear answer: charity given on their behalf reaches them, and charity that keeps benefiting people keeps earning them reward.

## What the Sunnah says

The Prophet ﷺ said: “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), knowledge that is benefited from, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Muslim)

A man said to the Prophet ﷺ: “My mother died suddenly, and I think that if she could have spoken she would have given charity. Will she have a reward if I give charity on her behalf?” He said: “Yes.” (al-Bukhari and Muslim)

When Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah asked which charity was best for his late mother, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Water.” Sa’d dug a well and said, “This is for the mother of Sa’d.” (Abu Dawud and al-Nasa’i)

## What you can build in their name

| Project | From | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Water pump](https://ghh.org.uk/donate/sri-lanka-water-pump/) | £150 | Clean water for 2–3 families in Sri Lanka |
| [Water well](https://ghh.org.uk/water-projects/) | £370 | A well for 6–10 families in Sri Lanka, up to £2,050 for a solar well in Gambia |
| [Masjid](https://ghh.org.uk/building-masjids/) | £7,300 | A community masjid in Uganda for 250+ worshippers; Pakistan from £7,800 |
| [Orphan sponsorship](https://ghh.org.uk/orphans/) | £30 a month | Food, schooling and care for a child, with updates |

GHH supporters have given about £190,000 to masjid projects and about £166,000 to water wells and pumps so far in 2026.

## Share it with the family

Brothers, sisters and cousins can give together. [Start a free memorial fundraising page](https://ghh.org.uk/fundraising/) in your parent’s name, share it on WhatsApp, and watch it reach the cost of a well or masjid.

## Also for your parents

Make du’a for them, keep ties with their friends and relatives, and settle any debts they left. These were all taught by the Prophet ﷺ as ways to honour parents after death.

## Frequently asked questions

**Does the reward reduce mine?**
No. The reward reaches your parent and you are rewarded for giving it, without either being reduced.

**Can I give for both parents together?**
Yes. Add both their names when you donate.

[**See all Sadaqah Jariyah projects →**](https://ghh.org.uk/sadaqah-jariyah/)