The concept of "Sadqa Jaaria" is key to how Muslims view what might be considered "legacy building."  Muslims are judged by their deeds.  The opportunity to do good work ends after death but for three exceptions, based on a Hadith reported by Muslim:

1. Beneficial Knowledge.

2. A child that prays for you.

3. Sadqa Jaaria.

Sadqa Jaaria is continuous charity.  Sadqa itself is beneficial and encouraged.  Perhaps most charity, including nearly all Zakat, which is the mandatory annual charity that is based on the amount of wealth an individual has, is not Sadqa Jaaria. American Muslims are now building institutions and other endeavors that will last for generations.  Its important to know that when we plan for what is considered Sadqa Jaaria, it does not neccessarily mean you are doing special when it comes to the tax code.  With Sadqa Jaaria as well as with a wide range of other things that are considered Sadqa, there may or may not be any tax benefit. 

As far as Muslims are concerned, taxes really are secondary.  Even so, we will discuss some potential tax benefits in this space.  You are not to use this website as a substitute for an Attorney or other tax advisory and I provide this information for educational and informational purposes only. 

Posted via email from Ahmed Shaikh’s stream