Sadaqah Jariyah: Jahangir Alam's Water Well

“When a son of Adam dies, then his good deeds stop except for three: a Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), a beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” – The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

 

 

Mohammed Jahangir Alam came to the United States in 1984, by ship. He didn’t originally plan to immigrate to the US, he got lucky. He worked on a cargo ship since he was 16, traveling around the world to deliver shipments. While working at sea it was difficult for him to keep in touch with family in Bangladesh. Jahangir found out his father passed away through a letter that his sister sent. After receiving that letter his only goal was to provide for his widowed mother and six siblings. By chance, after nine years, his crew's last stop was New York. He got off that ship with only $86, started working as a dishwasher, and sent most of his earnings back home. For the next 35 years he was committed to being the best husband, father, and friend he can be.

 

 

In December 2019, Jahangir Alam was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer. This was the most deeply devastating shock of our lives. If you knew Jahangir, personally or through Rafi’s social media posts, you know, in addition to being radiant and funny, he was determined and steadfast. Through his battle with this illness — encountering three reoccurences of his cancer — he remained a devout Muslim, dedicated husband and father, and the cornerstone of our family. He was never angry with Allah for his illness, rather accepted that only He knows best, often saying this was divinely decreed. Jahangir was always known for his infectious and joyful energy, he greeted everyone with a smile on his face, cracked jokes, and ensured that anyone with whom he crossed paths with felt his love and warmth. He left an indelible mark on all of those he left behind.

 

Charity was an integral part of Jahangir’s life. He was not only charitable with money, he was also generous with his time and his words using them to uplift those around him. Before he passed away, our dad was in the process of donating his savings to help the members of his village in Noakhali, Bangladesh. We are now committed to continuing his acts of charity.

 

 

Sadaqah Jariyah is a gift that not only benefits others in this life but also benefits us and our loved ones in the next. It is our intention to use these funds, in our dad’s name, to build wells — in his village in Bangladesh and Yemen. We welcome and appreciate contributions, of any size and ask that, during these nights of qadr, you keep our loving brother, son, father, and uncle Mohammed Jahangir Alam in your duas. May Allah reward every single one of you for your contributions. We would also really appreciate if you could share this on any of your platforms and whoever you come across.

 

 

Some of those who love and miss Jahangir deeply. Not photographed: Jahangir in the behind the camera telling us to smile BIG.


Donations will be used to create a solar panel water wells in Jahangir's local village in Noakhali, Bangladesh as well as Yemen through the U.S. organization, Yemen Aid. According to two narrations in Sahih Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asks Allah to bless the areas of  Yemen. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best charity is giving water to drink”, so giving water is a great charitable act that brings us closer to Allah (SWT).