What is Sadaqah
Sadaqah is the term used to describe a voluntary act of charity that is wide-reaching, for example a form of monetary charity or an act of kindness that can be performed in any amount, at any time of the year.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the benefits of giving Sadaqah in a number of sayings:
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)
Therefore, any act of kindness or support extended to other beings (including animals) for the sake of Allah (SWT), can be considered a Sadaqah or charity.
Examples of Sadaqah
It can be everything from an act of kindness to a monetary donation. For example, Sadaqah can be a voluntary donation. It can be helping someone in need, giving a smile, or it can even be removing a harmful object from your path.
Aqiqah
,
Fidya
and
Kaffarah
are also examples of Sadaqah.
Some examples include:
- Donating money to someone in need
- Making food for others
- Teaching Qur’an
- Smiling at others
- Watering a plant
- Taking care of an animal
-
Removing something harmful from someone’s path
In a famous Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (ra):
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that.’” (Al-Bukhari)
What does Sadaqah mean
The literal translation is ‘righteousness’. However, in the modern-day context, it has come to mean ‘voluntary charity’. The word stems from ‘sidq’, which means sincerity. This suggests that Sadaqah is a righteous behaviour, which shows sincerity of faith.
How Islamic Relief uses your Sadaqah donations
For many of the world’s most vulnerable, your donations are a lifeline.
When you provide a Sadaqah donation to Islamic Relief, you can change the future of an orphan in need. Through your vital donations, they are provided with a way home to food, shelter, an education, and a chance at a brighter future.
The Impact of your Sadaqah Donations
Giving Sadaqah can help provide crucial medical care that people facing the effects of war and crisis can seek relief in. For example our brothers and sisters in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria and Palestine.
They also provide livelihoods to thousands of people and communities. This helps to break the poverty cycle and lifting individuals in need into wellbeing.
Your Sadaqah donations are simply transformative.
Zakat and Sadaqah
Sadaqah is an entirely voluntary charity that can be performed at any time of year, and any amount can be given. However, Zakat is an obligatory charity due from every Muslim whose total possessions (cash, gold, silver, shares) meet or exceed the nisab threshold on a yearly basis.
Essentially, the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah is that Zakat is obligatory and one of the five pillars of Islam while Sadaqah is simply a kind gesture made with the intention of helping others.
Zakat has a number of stipulations regarding the type of assistance it can provide. However, Sadaqah can be used for any project or program which is of benefit to people. In a number of sayings, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the benefits of giving Sadaqah.
As Anas Bin Malik said, narrated by Bayhaqi:
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity .” (Tirmidhi)
Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah
An important concept within Islam is the idea of
Sadaqah Jariyah
– an ‘ongoing charity’.
The Prophet Muhammad
ﷺ said:
“When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them.” (Muslim)
Therefore, many Muslims are eager to give charity which will continue to have benefit to people after their death, and continue to earn them reward.
Sadaqah Jariyah is any charity which continues to have positive effects on a community in the long-term, beyond immediate relief. This includes: building homes, schools and hospitals. Other examples include: installing durable water systems; turning an area of land into a farm which continues to give crops for years to come; helping a poor family start a business which continues generating profit for future generations.
Donate Sadaqah today. Because what you do truly makes a difference.
What is the difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah?
Essentially, Sadaqah Jariyah is what today’s international development sector calls ‘sustainable development’. Islam promoted this over 1400 years ago. Sadaqah Jariyah encompasses the majority of the sustainable development programmes carried out by both Islamic and other NGOs today.
What are the benefits of Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity given for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah (SWT), without expecting anything in return.
We know that Prophet Muhammad ﷻ was very generous. He (ﷻ) would give his food, money, and belongings to the poor and often let himself go hungry. In summary, the Prophet Muhammad ﷻ had impeccable character. Therefore, it is an immense reward in following his exemplary behaviour.
Why is Sadaqah important in Islam?
Sadaqah not only purifies one’s own wealth, but also helps to establish economic stability through the flow of wealth in society. Through the good deed of giving, Muslims are bonded together. Therefore, Muslims are instructed by Allah (SWT) to try to give for His sake and spread generosity.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷻ) said:
“ The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity. ” (Tirmidhi)
Sadaqah FAQs
Here’s a list of Frequently Asked Questions that you can use for further guidance:
You can give Sadaqah in any amount at any time of the year, it is a voluntary act of charity and worship.
Sadaqah can be used for any project or programme which is of benefit to people.
Sadaqah is an entirely voluntary charity, where any amount can be given at any time of year. However, Zakat is an obligatory charity due from every Muslim whose total possessions (cash, gold, silver, shares) meet or exceed the nisab threshold on a yearly basis.
There are lots of recommended ways to give Sadaqah, and some great examples have been outlined here in this article. However, this Hadith is very helpful as a guide to giving Sadaqah:
“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small (in amount).” (Bukhari)
General Questions on Sadaqah
There are countless types of Sadaqah you can offer, that can be both monetary as well as more abstract. For example, the time that you donate can be Sadaqah, as well as a smile or even relieving someone of their hardship. The most common types of charity are, to give money to the less fortunate, and to help the less able both physically and mentally.
“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.” (Bukhari)
Find out more about the types of Sadaqah you can offer here.
Sadaqah can be given to a mosque or any charity.
When something bad happens you can give Sadaqah. The Messenger of Allah ﷻ said:
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi)
In a famous Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira reported:
“The Messenger of Allah, (peace be upon him), said, “Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another but that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah but that Allah raises his status.” (Muslim)
Many scholars interpret this to describe the way Allah (SWT) restores wealth and even increases it in some way when one gives from what he loves for His (SWT)’s sake.