The Qur’an encourages generosity and often alludes to the multiplied rewards of those who give for the sake of Allah. While it doesn’t use the term “Sadaqah Jariyah” explicitly, several verses lay the foundation for the idea of continuous rewards for charity:
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.”
This verse beautifully illustrates exponential growth from a single act of charity. One seed yields 700 grains, a 700x return! While all charity can be rewarded manifold, scholars often interpret this verse as referring to ongoing impact: a small charitable deed can yield abundant benefits and rewards. Sadaqah Jariyah is a practical way we see this manifested: you invest in one project (one seed), and it yields benefit repeatedly (many grains). This Quranic promise should motivate us to seek charities that have a far-reaching impact.
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:274: “Those who spend their wealth [in Allah’s cause] by night and by day, secretly and publicly, they will have their reward with their Lord. No fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” This verse praises consistent charity under all circumstances. While not limited to Sadaqah Jariyah, one can reflect that giving “by night and by day” implies regular, perhaps even ongoing, charity. The reward is assured by Allah, providing comfort that charitable folks need not fear or grieve. It aligns with the idea that if you set up a form of charity that continues day and night (like a waqf or endowment), you fall under this glad tidings.
Surah An-Nisa 4:79: (paraphrased) teaches that whatever good reaches us is from Allah. One interpretation is that if you initiate a good deed that continues, any subsequent good that flows from it is also from Allah’s grace and recorded for you. While not a direct mention, it resonates with the hadith concept that one who starts a good practice gets a reward every time it’s acted upon by others (we’ll see a hadith on this later).
Surah Yasin 36:12: “Indeed, We record that which they have put forward and their traces [i.e., what they leave behind].” This verse is often cited to show that what we leave behind (our legacy, including ongoing charities and knowledge) is recorded by Allah. The word “ آثارهم (atharahum)” means “traces” or “effects” people leave after them. Continuous charity is precisely such a positive trace that remains after one’s life, and Allah promises it’s not lost or ignored – it’s written in our favour.
Additionally, the Quran frequently encourages helping others, feeding the poor, assisting orphans, etc., and although each instance may refer to immediate charity, Muslims extrapolate that doing so in a way that has lasting results is even more encouraged.
