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21 Oct 2025

And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death comes to one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, why did You not delay me for a short term so I would give charity and be among the righteous?’”

(Surah Al-Munafiqun: 10)

Some interpretations suggest that Allah specifically mentions Sadaqa and charity in this verse because it is one of the deeds most beloved to Him. In the afterlife, a person becomes aware of its virtue and the great reward it carries, and may wish to return to life to give charity and reap that reward.

Based on this, charity on behalf of parents is considered one of the greatest forms of filial piety and righteousness in Islam, combining obedience to Allah with honoring one’s parents, whether they are alive or deceased. The principle is that a son or daughter donates with the intention that the reward and benefits of sadaqa and charity be dedicated to their parents, and the texts of Islamic law confirm the legitimacy of this act.

What Is Charity on Behalf of Parents?

Charity on behalf of parents refers to giving in any form of goodness with the intention that the reward be credited to one’s parents. The type of charity is flexible: it may be money given to the poor or needy, contributions to build a mosque, school, or hospital, providing water, feeding the hungry, printing Qur’ans, or other charitable acts.

In its broader sense, charity on behalf of parents is more than just a material gift; it is a way to honor those who were the source of life and mercy, extending their reward beyond their earthly life.

Islamic Evidence on the Virtue of Giving Charity on Behalf of Parents

The Islamic evidence highlighting the virtue of giving charity on behalf of one’s parents is abundant and comes from both the Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions (Sunnah). These texts emphasize that filial piety does not cease with the death of parents, and that charity offered on their behalf is a righteous act for which the child receives reward, and the benefit reaches the parents.

1. From the Qur’an:

Allah says:

“They ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and the traveler. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.’”

(Surah Al-Baqarah: 215)

This verse indicates that spending in the way of goodness is among the most beloved deeds to Allah, and it lists some of the recipients. Charity on behalf of parents is similarly considered a form of continued benevolence and righteousness, even after their death.

2. From the Sunnah:

Several authentic hadiths affirm the permissibility and virtue of giving charity for deceased parents, for example:

Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported that Saad ibn Ubadah said to the Prophet ﷺ: “O Messenger of Allah, my mother has passed away. Will charity benefit her if I give it on her behalf?” The Prophet ﷺ replied: “Yes.” Saad then said, “I bear witness that my wall, Al-Mukhraf, is a charity on her behalf.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Aisha (RA) narrated that a man said to the Prophet ﷺ: “My mother has passed away, and I think if she could speak, she would give charity. Should I give charity on her behalf?” The Prophet ﷺ replied: “Yes, give charity on her behalf.” (Sahih Muslim)

3. From Scholars’ Opinions:

The majority of scholars agree that the reward of charity given on behalf of the deceased reaches them, and they consider it among the most beneficial ongoing deeds (Sadaqah Jariyah) that continue to benefit a person after death. Imam Nawawi stated:

“Scholars have agreed that prayer and charity reach the deceased, and this practice has been established among Muslims without objection.”

Thus, charity on behalf of parents is a powerful means of continued piety and reward, combining the child’s devotion with lasting benefit for their parents.

Types of Charity Recommended to Be Dedicated to One’s Parents

Charities that a son or daughter can give to on behalf of their parents are diverse. Any act of goodness done sincerely for the sake of Allah can have its reward dedicated to the parents. The most notable types, recommended for this purpose, include:

1. Ongoing Charity (Sadaqah Jariyah):

The Prophet ﷺ said: “When a person dies, all their deeds are cut off except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” (Sahih Muslim)

Ongoing charity is a form of giving whose benefit continues after it is performed, so its reward persists as long as people continue to benefit from it. Examples include digging a well, building a mosque, contributing to a school or charitable hospital, or establishing an endowment (waqf) whose proceeds benefit the needy. These types of charity are among the best for parents, because their effect is continuous and the reward keeps increasing.

2. Daily Charity:

Daily charity is limited in effect to the moment it is given, such as feeding a poor person, providing clothing for someone in need, paying for a patient’s treatment, or relieving someone’s hardship. Even though these are temporary, if done with sincere intention, the reward is significant.

3. Charity through Knowledge:

This includes printing Qur’ans or beneficial books, spreading useful knowledge in religious or worldly sciences, or funding educational charity platforms. Such charity benefits people and simultaneously honors the parents by linking them to that knowledge.

4. Charity in the Form of Water and Providing Drink:

One of the most beloved forms of charity to Allah is providing water. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best charity is giving water.” This simple yet impactful act can be dedicated to the reward of both living and deceased parents.

5. Charity through Service or Time:

Volunteering or serving others with the intention that the reward goes to one’s parents also counts as charity. Any good deed done sincerely for Allah’s sake, even a kind word or helping someone in need, is recorded as charity and can benefit the parents.

Best Times to Give Charity on Behalf of Parents

One of the most rewarding ways to give charity for one’s parents is to choose times of acceptance and multiplied reward, as the Prophet has informed us of specific periods blessed with special virtue in which good deeds are multiplied. Among these times is Friday, whose hours are considered among the best for acceptance, especially the hour before sunset, when it is highly recommended to give charity and make supplications with the intention that the reward reaches one’s parents.

Ramadan is also a blessed season of mercy, forgiveness, and multiplied deeds. During this month, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and charity given for one’s parents carries double reward. Other recommended times include the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, and Eid days, which are occasions to bring joy to the poor and needy. Additionally, the last third of the night is a time when prayers are answered and Allah accepts deeds.

Sadaqa: A Continuous Righteousness That Never Ends

Parents hold a great right over their children, and honoring them is a fundamental duty in Islam. One of the truest forms of ongoing gratitude and respect is giving charity on their behalf. This act is permissible while they are alive and continues after their death, serving as a link between the children and their parents. Through this charity, the parents receive the reward, and the children are rewarded for their piety and sincere intention.

For those who wish to ensure that their charity truly benefits those in need, donations can be made through Tkiyet Um Ali, which distributes charity on behalf of donors and provides meals to the poor across various regions of Jordan. By giving through Tkiyet Um Ali, your charity on behalf of your parents can become a continuous source of mercy, feeding the hungry, relieving distress, and maintaining the ongoing impact of your good deeds as long as the act of giving continues.