Can I Give Sadaqah for My Grandparents Who Have Passed Away?

Losing a grandparent can leave a deep emptiness in a family. Grandparents often give their grandchildren love, wisdom, prayers and unforgettable memories. After they pass away, you may wonder whether there is still something meaningful you can do for them.

One common question is: Can I give Sadaqah for my grandparents who have passed away?

Yes, there is a strong basis in Islamic teachings for giving voluntary charity on behalf of a deceased Muslim. Authentic hadith specifically mention giving Sadaqah on behalf of deceased parents. Scholars and scholar-reviewed Islamic guidance also explain that Sadaqah can be performed on behalf of another Muslim after death.

This means you can give charity while intending that it is on behalf of your deceased grandmother or grandfather and ask Allah to accept it and benefit them.

Can I Give Sadaqah for My Deceased Grandparents?

Yes. Sadaqah can be given on behalf of a deceased Muslim.

In Sahih Muslim, a person asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about giving charity on behalf of his deceased mother. The Prophet ﷺ replied that she would benefit from it.

A similar narration is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, where a man asked whether he could give charity on behalf of his mother who had died suddenly, and the Prophet ﷺ said, “Yes.”

These narrations directly establish the permissibility of Sadaqah on behalf of deceased parents. Current scholar-reviewed guidance from Islamic Relief UK extends this principle to giving Sadaqah on behalf of another Muslim who has passed away.

Therefore, giving Sadaqah in memory of a deceased grandparent is a meaningful charitable practice.

 

Can I Give Sadaqah for My Grandparents Who Have Passed Away?

What Is Sadaqah for a Deceased Grandparent                                                            sadaqah is voluntary charity given sincerely for Allah's sake.

It can take many forms. It does not necessarily mean giving a large amount of money.

For your deceased grandmother or grandfather, you could support:

• Clean water

• Food for people in need

• Education

• Qur'an resources

• Orphans and vulnerable families

• Mosques or schools

• Sustainable community projects

• Regular charitable donations

The most important part is sincerity and the intention behind the donation.

When making the donation, you can intend that the charity is being given for Allah and on behalf of your deceased grandparent.

1. Provide Clean Water in Their Memory

One of the most meaningful Sadaqah ideas is to provide clean and safe water.

You could contribute toward:

• A water well

• Water pumps

• Clean-water systems

• Community water projects

• Sustainable water facilities

Water projects can be especially meaningful because people may benefit from them repeatedly.

Islamic Relief UK lists building a well and providing a water source among examples of Sadaqah Jariyah that can be performed on behalf of deceased people.

If you want to create a charitable legacy for your grandmother or grandfather, a genuine water project may be an excellent option.

2. Feed Someone in Need

You can also give food on behalf of your deceased grandparents.

For example, you might donate toward:

• Food parcels

• Meals for poor families

• Emergency food assistance

• Ramadan food programmes

• Meals for refugees

• Support for people affected by disasters

Food charity provides an immediate benefit to someone experiencing hardship.

You do not have to wait until you can afford a large donation. A small contribution can still be a sincere act of Sadaqah.

You can make the intention that the donation is being given on behalf of your deceased grandmother or grandfather.

3. Donate a Qur'an

Another beautiful option is to donate a Qur'an or support Quran education in your grandparent's memory.

A Quran donation may help:

• A student learning to read

• A mosque

• A Quran school

• An Islamic education centre

• Someone who does not have access to a copy

• A memorisation programme

The Prophet ﷺ mentioned beneficial knowledge among the things whose benefit continues after a person's death.

However, it is best to avoid automatically calling every Quran donation Sadaqah Jariyah. The continuing benefit depends on whether the donated resource continues to be used and benefits people.

4. Support Education

If your grandparent valued learning and education, supporting another person's education can be a beautiful tribute.

You could help with:

• School supplies

• Books

• Tuition or educational costs

• Islamic education

• Vocational training

• Learning centres

• Teacher support

Beneficial knowledge has a special place in Islamic teachings. The famous hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim mentions ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous child who prays for the deceased among the matters connected with continuing benefit after death.

An educational donation can therefore be both practical and meaningful.

5. Help an Orphan or Vulnerable Family

You can give Sadaqah for your deceased grandparents by helping an orphan or family experiencing hardship.

Depending on the charity, your donation might provide:

• Food

• Clothing

• Education

• Medical care

• Housing assistance

• School materials

• Emergency support

The purpose of Sadaqah is not simply to make a donation but to provide genuine benefit.

Before donating, check what the organisation's programme actually provides and how your money will be used.

6. Support a Mosque or Community Project

Another option is contributing toward a mosque, school or community facility.

A facility that continues serving people can potentially provide ongoing benefit.

Islamic Relief UK lists examples such as building a school and building a mosque among forms of Sadaqah Jariyah.

If you choose this type of project, investigate the specific organisation and project carefully. Do not assume that every building-related donation automatically qualifies as Sadaqah Jariyah.

7. Plant a Tree or Support a Sustainable Project

Planting a tree can also be a meaningful charitable idea.

A tree can provide:

• Shade

• Fruit

• Food

• Environmental benefits

• Benefits to animals and people

Islamic Relief UK includes planting a tree among examples of Sadaqah Jariyah.

This may be particularly meaningful if your grandparent loved gardening, farming or nature.

What Is Sadaqah Jariyah for Grandparents?

Sadaqah Jariyah means continuing charity whose benefit continues over time.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three…”

The hadith then mentions ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous child who prays for the deceased.

Examples of projects that may provide ongoing benefit include:

• Water wells

• Schools

• Educational projects

• Mosques

• Trees

• Sustainable community facilities

• Long-term livelihood projects

If you specifically want to give Sadaqah Jariyah for your grandparents, look for a project designed to provide continuing benefit.

Can I Give Sadaqah for Both Grandparents?

Yes, you can give charity on behalf of both your grandmother and grandfather.

For example, you could make one donation and intend it for both deceased grandparents, or you could support separate projects for each.

You might donate a water project for your grandfather and educational resources for your grandmother.

The important thing is to make your intention sincerely for Allah.

How Do I Make the Intention?

You do not need a complicated ceremony.

Before making the donation, simply have the intention in your heart that you are giving this charity sincerely for Allah and on behalf of your deceased grandparent.

Islamic Relief UK's scholar-reviewed guidance explains that Sadaqah on behalf of another person begins with sincere intention for Allah's sake.

You can then make dua for your grandparent and ask Allah to accept the charity.

Can I Give Money Online for My Grandparents?

Yes, if you are using a legitimate charitable organisation.

Online donations can make it easier to support projects in other countries or communities.

Before donating, check:

• Who operates the organisation

• What project you are funding

• Where the donation will be used

• Whether the project is one-time or ongoing

• How the organisation explains its work

• Whether there is clear information about the charity

Do not choose a charity solely because its advertisement looks emotional or promises extraordinary results.

Responsible giving matters.

Can I Give Qurbani for a Deceased Grandparent?

Qurbani is a separate issue from ordinary Sadaqah, but current Islamic Relief UK guidance states that it is permissible to give Qurbani on behalf of a deceased loved one and specifically includes grandparents among deceased family members for whom Qurbani may be performed.

The same guidance notes that a Qurbani for a deceased relative may be combined with a family Qurbani intention or performed separately as a voluntary sacrifice, while a specific request in the deceased's will can create a different obligation.

If you are asking about Qurbani specifically, it is worth following the rules of your madhhab or asking a qualified scholar about your particular situation.

Can I Make Dua for My Deceased Grandparents?

Yes. Dua is another important way to remember those who have passed away.

You can ask Allah to:

• Forgive your grandparents

• Have mercy on them

• Raise their rank

• Grant them peace

• Make their grave spacious and filled with light

• Admit them into Jannah

Islamic teachings also emphasise the value of a righteous child's supplication for a deceased parent.

Even though grandparents are not specifically named in that hadith, making dua for deceased relatives is a natural and meaningful act of remembrance.

Does the Charity Have to Be Given in Their Name?

The important part is your intention.

You do not necessarily need to publicly write your grandparent's name or announce that the donation is for them.

You can privately intend that the charity is being given on their behalf.

What matters is sincerity and seeking Allah's acceptance.

How Much Should I Donate for My Grandparents?

There is no need to choose an amount that causes financial difficulty.

You could give:

• A small one-time donation

• A monthly amount

• A water contribution

• Food support

• A Quran donation

• Education assistance

• A larger Sadaqah Jariyah project when financially able

The purpose of voluntary charity is not to compete over donation amounts.

Give according to your means and focus on sincerity.

 

Can I Give Sadaqah for My Grandparents Who Have Passed Away?

Final Thoughts

If you have lost a grandmother or grandfather and are wondering “Can I give Sadaqah for my grandparents who have passed away?”, there is a strong basis for giving charity on behalf of deceased Muslims.

Authentic hadith establish that charity given on behalf of a deceased parent can benefit them, and scholar-reviewed Islamic guidance explains that Sadaqah can be performed on behalf of another Muslim after death.

You can choose many forms of charity: provide clean water, feed someone in need, donate a Quran, support education, help an orphan, plant a tree, contribute to a mosque or school, or support another genuine charitable project.

If you want a lasting form of charity, consider a project designed to provide ongoing benefit.

Most importantly, give sincerely for Allah's sake and remember your grandparents in your dua.

A small act of charity can become a beautiful way to honour the people who were once an important part of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give Sadaqah for my deceased grandparents?

Yes. The authentic hadith establish that charity can be given on behalf of a deceased person, and scholar-reviewed Islamic guidance supports giving Sadaqah on behalf of another Muslim after death.

What is the best Sadaqah for deceased grandparents?

There is no single charity that is automatically best for everyone. Water, food, education, Quran resources, orphan support and sustainable projects can all be meaningful choices.

Can I donate a water well for my grandparents?

Yes. A water well is listed as an example of Sadaqah Jariyah in scholar-reviewed Islamic guidance.

Can I donate a Quran for my deceased grandmother or grandfather?

Yes, you can support a Quran donation or Quran education project with the intention of giving charity on behalf of your deceased grandparent.

Can I give Qurbani for a deceased grandparent?

Current Islamic Relief UK guidance states that Qurbani can be performed for deceased family members, including grandparents, subject to the relevant Qurbani rules.

Can I give Sadaqah for both grandparents at the same time?

Yes. You can make a charitable donation with the intention that it is on behalf of both your deceased grandmother and grandfather.