Giving waqf on behalf of a loved one
Waqf sends blessings to a loved one who has passed
As Muslims, we accept the divine decree of The Most Merciful when our loved ones pass. Even when grief is deeply painful, the knowledge that Allah’s timing is perfect is a comfort. Allah has also provided us with the mercy of benefiting our loved ones after they have passed — through our du‘a and through ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah) given in their name.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim)
What is a sadaqah jariyah?
Sadaqah jariyah is an ongoing charity, such as training someone with a vocational skill, providing a fruit tree, or installing a water pump. A waqf is a permanent charity, where the donated asset is never owned or sold, so it benefits people indefinitely. It has strict parameters and often has a financial setup and guardian to ensure it remains sustainable.
This means that all waqf donations are a form of sadaqah jariyah, but not all sadaqah jariyah are considered waqf.
Can we give waqf on behalf of the deceased?
Absolutely. There’s a clear Islamic precedent for this, since waqf is a form of sadaqah jariyah.
“A man said to the Prophet ﷺ: ‘My mother has died suddenly. I think that if she were able to talk (alive) she would have given in Sadaqah (charity). So, if I give Sadaqah now on her behalf, will she get the reward?’ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘Yes.’” (Al Bukhari)
How will giving a waqf benefit my loved one?
When a person dies, they enter the Barzakh — an interval where souls wait between death and resurrection. It may be blissful or painful, depending on how a person lived.
Giving waqf is a way to seek mercy and forgiveness for your loved one and to try to ease their experience in the Barzakh. Only Allah knows to what extent it will benefit them — but giving a waqf in their name is a sincere means to send blessing and reward to them.
How do I ensure the reward reaches my loved one?
- Give with sincerity.
- Set your intention privately that this waqf is in their name.
- When donating through The Waqf Fund, select “In memory of” and enter their name.
- Pray that Allah accepts your waqf on their behalf.
What projects can I support when donating on behalf of someone else?
You can dedicate your waqf to another person when giving to any of our projects — all sectors qualify and include the option of naming a loved one. Select “In memory of” at checkout, enter their name, and we’ll do the rest.
Here are some projects supporters often dedicate on behalf of loved ones:
- Water aid — desalination plants, water wells, solar-powered pumps, and sustainable clean water sources.
- Livelihoods — fruit trees, sewing machines, bee hives, and chicks to help families start businesses.
- Education — playgrounds, IT equipment, classrooms, meals, sponsorship, and psychosocial support.
Explore our full range of sectors and projects to choose a waqf that’s right for your loved one.
How do I donate?
Visit our Gift a waqf page. Choose any amount — we pool donations, invest in halal assets, and use only the profits to support your chosen charity each year. Your initial donation amount is never owned or spent, and remains invested, growing and bringing benefit year after year, inshallah.
Send blessings and mercy to your loved one, now and for years to come. Dedicate a waqf to someone who has passed away to ease their hereafter and comfort your loss.
