Giving at births, marriages and deaths

Islam teaches that charity is not only for Ramadan or zakat season. Births, marriages and deaths are natural moments to open our hands, share blessings and build a legacy of reward. Whether you are welcoming a child, starting married life, or saying goodbye to someone dear, giving in these moments carries special meaning.

Birth: Aqiqah and Sadaqah for a newborn

The arrival of a child is one of the greatest blessings. In Islam this joy is paired with gratitude and generosity. Aqiqah is the Sunnah sacrifice offered after birth, usually on the seventh day, with the meat shared among family, neighbours and those in need. Many parents also shave the child's head and give the equivalent weight in silver to charity.

Beyond Aqiqah, Sadaqah for a newborn is a beautiful way to begin a child's life with good deeds. Some families sponsor an orphan, provide a food parcel, or donate a water share in the child's name, asking Allah to bless the new life.

• Aqiqah: two goats or sheep for a boy, one for a girl, according to Sunnah
• Shave the head and give charity equal to the weight of the hair in silver
• Choose a good name and make dua for righteousness and health
• Give Sadaqah on behalf of the child to begin life with barakah

Marriage: walimah and wedding Sadaqah

Marriage completes half of faith, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, encouraged a wedding feast called the walimah. It does not need to be extravagant. The blessing lies in sharing food and inviting others, especially those who might otherwise be forgotten.

Many couples now simplify their wedding and give the saved money as Sadaqah. This can fund food parcels, water projects, or support for orphans. Some guests also give Sadaqah instead of physical gifts, helping the couple begin their life together with mercy for others.

• Host a simple walimah and feed guests with sincerity
• Give Sadaqah as a couple to mark the start of married life
• Ask guests to donate to a chosen cause in lieu of gifts
• Support marriage support funds that help widows and orphans remarry with dignity

Death: funeral support and Sadaqah Jariyah

When a loved one passes away, one of the most lasting gifts we can offer is charity on their behalf. The Prophet, peace be upon him, taught that the deeds of the deceased are cut off except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.

This is why Sadaqah Jariyah is so precious at the time of death. A well, a school, a food programme, or sponsorship of an orphan can continue to flow as reward long after we are gone. Families may also contribute toward funeral costs for those who cannot afford them, which is itself a noble act of community care.

• Pay funeral and burial expenses for someone in need
• Give Sadaqah Jariyah in the name of the deceased
• Sponsor ongoing aid such as water, food or education
• Make dua, read Quran and ask Allah to forgive the departed

The rewards of giving at life's turning points

Charity at these moments carries extra weight because it is tied to gratitude, transition and remembrance of Allah. A gift given with the right intention can:

• Protect a newborn and bring barakah into the family
• Turn wedding joy into shared mercy for the poor
• Create a continuous stream of reward for the deceased
• Draw the giver closer to Allah at every stage of life

How UNH helps you give with purpose

At UNH we keep Zakat funds restricted and use Sadaqah to fund food, water, medical care, orphan support and emergency relief. When you give for a birth, marriage or death, you can choose the fund that matches your intention. Every donation is recorded and a receipt is sent for your records.

Frequently asked questions

What is Aqiqah in Islam?

Aqiqah is the sacrifice offered after the birth of a child, traditionally on the seventh day. It is a Sunnah of gratitude, and the meat is shared with family, friends and those in need.

Can I give Sadaqah for a deceased relative?

Yes. Sadaqah given on behalf of a deceased person reaches them as continuous reward, especially Sadaqah Jariyah such as wells, food sponsorship or knowledge that benefits others.

Is charity recommended at a wedding?

Yes. The Prophet, peace be upon him, encouraged a wedding feast, or walimah, and many couples choose to give Sadaqah instead of overspending, sharing the blessing with those less fortunate.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity, such as a well, a school or a food programme, that continues to benefit people after the giver has passed away and brings them continuous reward.