Sadaqah on behalf of someone

In Islam, there are various types of charity that a Muslim can perform throughout their lifetime. Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr or Fitrana are forms of obligatory charity, whilst Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah are voluntary forms of charity. These forms of charity, when performed sincerely for Allah’s (SWT) sake, can earn His pleasure in this life and the next.

Among the many blessings of Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), is that it can be performed on behalf of another Muslim, subhanAllah!

In a famous hadith that was narrated in al-Saheehayn from ‘Aa’ishah (RA):

A man said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “My mother died suddenly, and she did not leave a will, but I think that if she could have spoken, she would have given in charity. Will she have a reward if I give in charity on her behalf?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Yes.”

Hadith | Bukhari, 1388; Muslim, 1004

From this hadith the scholars have interpreted that we can perform good deeds, including Sadaqah on behalf of someone else.

So, what do I need to do to perform Sadaqah on behalf of someone else?

As with every good act, it all starts with intention. Even for those wishing to perform Sadaqah on behalf of someone else, they must have the intention to do so for the sake of Allah (SWT) first and seek His pleasure alone. When you go to perform any good act, including Sadaqah on behalf of another, it’s a good idea to pause and reflect – you can do a heart check!

Here are some good questions to ask yourself before performing Sadaqah on behalf of another:

• Is this act of Sadaqah to earn the pleasure or gaze on anyone other than Allah (SWT)?
• Will I use this act of Sadaqah against another person in the future?
• Will I let this good act allow me to become boastful or arrogant of my goodness?

Alhamdullilah, another blessing of Sadaqah is that it doesn’t have to be monetary charity. Sadaqah takes many forms and can be donated in many forms on behalf of another person.

From this Hadith the scholars have interpreted that we can perform good deeds, including Sadaqah on behalf of someone else.

So, what do I need to do to perform Sadaqah on behalf of someone else?

As with every good act, it all starts with intention. Even for those wishing to perform Sadaqah on behalf of someone else, they must have the intention to do so for the sake of Allah (SWT) first and seek His pleasure alone. When you go to perform any good act, including Sadaqah on behalf of another, it’s a good idea to pause and reflect – you can do a heart check!

Here are some good questions to ask yourself before performing Sadaqah on behalf of another:

• Is this act of Sadaqah to earn the pleasure or gaze on anyone other than Allah (SWT)?
• Will I use this act of Sadaqah against another person in the future?
• Will I let this good act allow me to become boastful or arrogant of my goodness?

Alhamdullilah, another blessing of Sadaqah is that it doesn’t have to be monetary charity. Sadaqah takes many forms and can be donated in many forms on behalf of another person.

We ensure our content is reviewed and verified by qualified scholars to provide you with the most accurate information. This webpage was last reviewed by Sheikh Saalim Al-Azhari.

Page last reviewed: 31 August 2022