27/11/2025
โBeyond Akara: Choosing a Sadaqah That Truly Lastsโ
In many parts of our society, whenever people want to give Sadaqah (แนขarร /Sร rรก) on behalf of their late parents or loved ones, the first thing that comes to mind is frying Akara.
For generations, this has become a tradition, some prepare Akara, some make Ekuru, others make Mosa and many have grown to believe that this is the best or only form of sadaqah for the deceased.
Yes, frying Akara is not haram, and whoever feeds others will surely receive reward.
But as Muslims, we should learn to think beyond the ordinary, and seek what is more lasting, more impactful, and more befitting as a gift to our late loved ones.
The Prophet SAW taught us clearly:
"ุฅุฐุง ู
ุงุช ุงุจู ุขุฏู
ุงููุทุน ุนู
ูู ุฅูุง ู
ู ุซูุงุซ..."
โWhen a human being dies, all his deeds come to an end except threeโฆโ
and among these three is: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jฤriyah) and knowledge that benefits others.
Feeding people is good and rewarded, but its effect ends once the food is eaten.
The reward fades with the last bite.
But the Prophet SAW guided us toward everlasting charity, the type that continues to benefit the deceased long after everyone has forgotten:
- Building or contributing to a borehole that provides water daily
- Teaching or sponsoring Islamic knowledge
- Supporting the mosque and its needs
- Helping a student of Qurโan and Arabic studies
- Providing learning materials or school chairs.
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- Paying a childโs madrasa fees
These forms of sadaqah do not disappear in a moment.
They continue, grow, and multiply, becoming a stream of reward for the deceased every day, every week, every year.
So while Akara is good, let us rise beyond the traditions that limit our thinking.
Let us choose sadaqah that lights the grave, benefits the community, and remains long after we are gone.
May Allah accept all our actions, forgive our parents and loved ones, and make us among those who give sadaqah that truly lasts.
Penned :- QUREEB OPEYEMI SOLAHUDEEN.
