How to Give Charity on Behalf of the Deceased

The question of how to give charity on behalf of the deceased is one of the most pressing concerns for many people after losing their loved ones. Everyone seeks to be a reason for the continuation of good deeds for the deceased and for elevating their rank with Allah Almighty.

Charity for the deceased is considered one of the everlasting doors of goodness and kindness. It is a form of loyalty and silent prayer whose impact continues even after a person departs from this world.

Therefore, the discussion about how to give charity on behalf of the deceased is not merely a jurisprudential matter; it is a deeply human act that combines mercy, loyalty, and generosity.

In this article, we will explore the answers to the most common questions: Is it permissible to give ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah) for the deceased? Can one give charity from the wealth of the deceased? And is it permissible to give charity on behalf of one’s parents while they are alive?

We will also highlight a collection of practical ideas that a person can implement as ongoing charity whose reward continues to reach the deceased.

Is It Permissible to Give Ongoing Charity for the Deceased?

The most frequently asked question is: Is it permissible to give sadaqah jariyah for the deceased? The clear answer that scholars unanimously agreed upon is: yes. 

In fact, this is considered one of the greatest forms of kindness toward the deceased, as the reward of the charity surely reaches them by Allah’s permission.

When a person passes away, their deeds come to an end except for three: an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.

 From this, we understand that sadaqah jariyah is not a simple act, but rather an eternal investment whose benefits remain for the deceased.

Examples of sadaqah jariyah on behalf of the deceased include:

• Contributing to the digging of a water well in poor areas.
• Building a mosque or helping to equip it.
• Sponsoring an orphan and providing a dignified life in the name of the deceased.
• Supporting educational projects that have a lasting impact.

Such acts not only grant the deceased ongoing rewards, but also give the living an opportunity to embody loyalty and kindness.

Indeed, a platform like Ensany makes it easier for donors to deliver their charity to those who deserve it through transparent and trustworthy projects.

Is It Permissible to Give Charity from the Wealth of the Deceased?

Another common question is: Can charity be given from the wealth of the deceased? The answer requires some detail.

• If the deceased had instructed in their will that part of their wealth be given as charity, then this must be carried out according to Islamic law.
• If they did not leave such a will, giving charity from their wealth after death requires the approval of the heirs, since the estate becomes their legal right after death.

However, if a child or relative wishes to give charity on behalf of the deceased from their own money, this is permissible and highly recommended, and the reward certainly reaches the deceased by Allah’s permission.

This type of charity can elevate the rank of the deceased and ease their condition, while also granting peace of mind to the giver, knowing they have offered goodness in the name of their loved one.

Examples of giving charity on behalf of the deceased include:

• Supporting the construction of hospitals or healthcare centers.
• Distributing food to the poor and needy.
• Funding the printing and distribution of Qur’ans.
• Supporting orphan sponsorship and relief campaigns.

Thus, the question of how to give charity on behalf of the deceased can be answered easily: either from the deceased’s wealth if they instructed so, or from the wealth of family and loved ones who seek reward on their behalf.

Is It Permissible to Give Charity on Behalf of Parents While They Are Alive?

Some may wonder: Is it permissible to give charity on behalf of parents while they are alive? The answer is that charity on behalf of one’s parents during their lifetime is among the greatest acts of devotion and piety.

Honoring parents is not limited to kind words and respectful actions—it also includes giving charity on their behalf, whether they are aware of it or not, and the reward reaches them by Allah’s will.

Indeed, giving charity during the parents’ lifetime is a wonderful way to bring joy to their hearts and to show that filial devotion extends into every aspect of life.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “You and your wealth belong to your father.” This means that when a person gives charity on behalf of their parents, they combine honoring them with earning multiplied rewards.

Ideas for giving charity on behalf of living parents include:

• Sponsoring orphans in their names.
• Donating toward the establishment of a hospital or charitable center under their names.
• Contributing to digging water wells in needy areas in their honor.
• Supporting education and literacy projects as a meaningful gift for them.

Thus, the discussion of how to give charity on behalf of the deceased also opens the door to including one’s parents in rewards and blessings, whether they are alive or after they have passed away.

Practical Examples of How to Give Charity for the Deceased

To make the matter clearer, here are some practical ideas that can serve as sadaqah jariyah for the deceased:

• Donating through trusted platforms like Ensany: where you can choose from various projects (water wells, mosque construction, orphan sponsorship).
• Contributing to educational institutions: such as schools or literacy centers.
• Spreading beneficial knowledge: by printing useful books or Qur’ans.
• Community service initiatives: such as providing medical equipment or supporting healthcare centers.
• Seasonal charitable projects: like distributing sacrificial meat or Ramadan meals in the name of the deceased.

All of these examples show that how to give charity on behalf of the deceased is practical and easy to implement, especially with trustworthy organizations that help donors fulfill their intentions quickly and transparently.

In the end, it becomes clear that how to give charity on behalf of the deceased is not just a legal question, but a profound message of loyalty and mercy. It reflects both love for the deceased and the living’s desire to keep their rewards ongoing.

Sadaqah jariyah is the deed whose impact never ends. It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to immortalize the memory of their loved ones through charitable acts that continue to breathe life into the hearts of those who benefit from them.

So whether you ask: Is it permissible to give sadaqah jariyah for the deceased? Can one give charity from their wealth? Or can charity be given on behalf of parents while alive?

The answer is the same: Yes. Charity is always an open path, and its reward is continuous as long as the intention is sincere for Allah.

Therefore, don’t wait too long. 

Start today by choosing a project that suits you through a trustworthy platform like Ensany, and let your charity become a bridge that connects this world with the Hereafter, uniting love with loyalty, and mercy with everlasting reward.