Hadith Commentary: The Three Enduring Deeds

This profound narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i 3651, as recorded in The Book of Wills by Imam an-Nasa'i, establishes the principle of perpetual reward (ajr al-mustamirr) that continues to benefit a believer after death.

Ongoing Charity (Sadaqah Jariyah)

The scholars explain this encompasses any charitable act whose benefit persists, such as building mosques, digging wells, planting trees, establishing educational institutions, or publishing beneficial books. Imam an-Nawawi states: "The reward continues as long as the created object remains and people benefit from it."

Beneficial Knowledge

This refers to knowledge through which people continue to benefit after one's death, whether through teaching, writing, or establishing educational foundations. Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali comments: "This includes every knowledge that brings one closer to Allah - whether related to the Quran, Sunnah, or Islamic sciences - that is taught to people who then act upon it."

Righteous Son Who Prays

The classical scholars interpret "righteous son" broadly to include all righteous children and students who continue the deceased's legacy of goodness. Al-Munawi explains: "The son's righteousness and prayers become a continuous source of reward for the parent, as the child is considered from the parent's earnings (kasb)."

Scholarly Insights

Imam al-Suyuti notes this hadith demonstrates Islam's comprehensive reward system, where believers can continue earning rewards through foundational acts that generate ongoing goodness.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani emphasizes that these three exceptions share the characteristic of being "causes that produce continuous effects," making them exceptions to the general rule that deeds cease with death.