A sadaqa jariya is a continuing charity: a deed whose benefits carry on over time. Its impact endures, and its reward keeps reaching the believer even after death, by the permission of Allah. That is what sets it apart from a one-off act of charity, whose effect stops the moment it is received.
The seven deeds of the hadith
Narrated by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
There are seven things whose reward keeps reaching the servant in the grave after death:
- one who taught knowledge
- dug a riverbed
- dug a well
- planted a palm tree
- built a mosque
- left behind a copy of the Qur'an
- or left behind a righteous child who asks forgiveness for them after their death
The well comes third in that list, between the riverbed and the palm tree. Three of the seven deeds concern water or what water makes grow: no accident, in a region where access to water decides everything else.
What makes a deed “continuing”
What matters is that the deed be useful and that its benefit continue over time. A continuing charity can therefore take many forms: building or funding a well, taking part in the construction of a mosque, supporting a hospital or a facility useful to the community, contributing to education or equipment.
A well has this particular quality: once installed, it needs neither management nor staff. A hand pump sealed onto its slab works for years without electricity, without a subscription and without outside intervention. That is probably why it appears in the hadith: it keeps serving without anyone having to look after it.
In whose name?
A well can be funded in the name of the person paying, or of someone close to them, living or deceased. At Goutte d'Espoir that name identifies the project in our records, appears on the sign visible in the photographs, and travels with the files sent on delivery. Staying anonymous is also possible.
Fund a well in the name of your choice
From €350 in Uganda, delivered with the photos and videos of the site. Stated timeframe: 3 to 5 weeks.
