As Ramadan begins, many Muslims think about giving that will last. Sadaqah Jariyah, ongoing charity, is one of the most meaningful ways to do that, and education is a natural home for it.
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah is voluntary charity, given freely and for any good purpose. Sadaqah Jariyah is Sadaqah whose benefit continues long after the gift is made, such as a well that gives water for years, or a school where children learn generation after generation.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Sahih Muslim 1631)
Many people give Sadaqah Jariyah for themselves, and many give it on behalf of a parent or loved one who has passed away.
Why education keeps giving
Supporting a school touches more than one part of that hadith. The school itself is a lasting gift, and the knowledge children gain there benefits them, their families and their communities for the rest of their lives.
A classroom serves year after year. A classroom built and maintained today will be used by class after class of children.
A trained teacher reaches generations. A teacher trained at the Joan Atkinson College of Teacher Education in Bassali takes her skills to every class she teaches, for her whole career.
A library is read again and again. Pearl Valley Public School’s library holds more than 15,000 books, read by pupil after pupil.
A pupil at work in the computer room at Pearl Valley Public School.
How Quest for Education Foundation can help you give
Quest for Education Foundation (QEF) has supported the Kashmir Education Foundation (KEF) since 2011. KEF runs schools in rural Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where places do not depend on a family’s ability to pay, and a college that trains women as teachers.
Your Sadaqah Jariyah helps build and maintain classrooms, train teachers and keep schools open, so every new class of children benefits from your gift.
Zakat is different
Zakat is an obligation with its own rules: it may go only to eligible recipients, and it cannot be used directly for buildings or running costs. We keep Zakat and Sadaqah separate. If you would like to give Zakat, please read how KEF applies Zakat and give through our Zakat-only checkouts.