In Islam, Sadaqah means giving to others without being required. It includes acts of kindness, giving money, or doing good things for others. The purpose is to make Allah happy and seek His approval.
The Prophet (ﷺ) of Islam once said that every good thing you do is a form of charity. For example, when you smile at someone, encourage good behavior, discourage evil actions (Dua for evil eye), guide someone who is lost, help someone with poor eyesight, clear obstacles from the road, or even share your water with others, it is considered an act of charity.
(Tirmidhi 1956)
Islam is a religion of peace, equality, and brotherhood, and when we do good deeds to make Allah happy, it is counted as charity, an act of charity.
Charity in Quran
In the Quran, Allah says, “If people gather and keep lots of gold and silver but don’t use it for good, they will face a tough punishment.” After that, Allah tells His Messenger to take a portion of their wealth as a form of charity to purify them and make their wealth grow.
Those who spend their wealth in charity day and night, secretly and openly—their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.
Al-Baqarah 274
“We feed you only for the sake of Allah, seeking neither reward nor thanks from you.
Al-Insan 8-9
Sadaqah meaning
“Sadaqah” is an Arabic word that means voluntary charity in Islam. It’s when we Muslims give money, help, or support to those in need without any obligation or expectation of getting something in return. Charity is a way for us Muslims to share our wealth with others and show kindness and generosity to those who may be less fortunate. It’s a positive action that reflects the spirit of giving and caring for the well-being of the community.
Sadaqah vs Zakat
Sadaqah and Zakat are both forms of charitable giving in Islam, but they have some key differences:
Compulsory vs. Voluntary:
- Zakat: It is obligatory and a specific type of charity that Muslims with a certain level of wealth must give annually, typically 2.5% of their savings or investments.
- Sadaqah: It is voluntary and can be given at any time, in any amount, based on individual discretion.
Specific Criteria for Zakat:
Zakat: It has specific criteria regarding who is eligible to receive it. Generally, it is intended for specific categories of people, such as the poor, needy, and those in debt.
Sadaqah: Can be given to anyone in need, and there are no specific eligibility criteria.
Frequency:
- Zakat: Given annually, and it is a mandatory act of worship in Islam.
- Sadaqah: Can be given at any time and as frequently as desired; it is not obligatory.
Amount:
- Zakat: Calculated at a fixed percentage (2.5%) of one’s wealth after a full lunar year.
- Sadaqah: The amount is not fixed; it can be any amount that a person is willing to give.
In summary, while Zakat is a mandatory form of charity with specific rules, Sadaqah is a broader term covering voluntary acts of giving, and it is not obligatory.
Charity on Behalf of the Deceased?
Indeed! If someone passes away without being able to give charity or make donations, their family members can give charity (also called Isale Sawab) on their behalf.
A woman once asked the Prophet (ﷺ), peace be upon him, if she could give charity on behalf of her mother, who had passed away suddenly. The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Yes, you can give charity on her behalf.”
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) shared a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
“When a person passes away, most of their deeds stop, but three things continue: ongoing acts of charity, knowledge that benefits others, and a righteous child who prays for the deceased.”
(Sahih Muslim 1631)
What are the two types of Sadaqah?
Types of Charity in Islam:
Sadaqah:
It’s a one-time charitable act or donation, like helping a neighbor, volunteering, or giving a one-off donation to a person or cause.
Sadaqah Jariyah:
This is a form of ongoing charity that continues to benefit people, animals, or the environment. Examples include sponsoring an orphan, planting a tree, contributing to building a school, or donating to a water well.
Difference Between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah:
Sadaqah is a one-time act, while Sadaqah Jariyah provides continuous benefits even after the person who initiated it has passed away.
Difference Between Sadaqah and General Donation:
Charity is given without expecting any reward in return, while a general donation may involve expectations of recognition or rewards.
Difference Between Sadaqah and Lillah:
Charity is given to alleviate suffering purely from the heart, while Lillah is a donation made with the intention of pleasing Allah.
Best Time to Give Sadaqah:
Charity can be given anytime, but during Ramadan, especially on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), the rewards are believed to be multiplied, and most of us choose to give Sadaqah during this blessed time.
What are the rules of Sadaqah?
We can give it in various ways to help those in need. It’s a way of sharing and caring for others in the community.
Giving Money: Muslims often give money as Sadaqah. This can be a small or large amount, depending on what they can afford.
Helping the Poor: Charity includes assisting those who are financially struggling. This could involve providing food, clothing, or other essentials to those in poverty.
Supporting Orphans: We may choose to give Charity to support orphans who have lost their parents. This assistance can include financial aid, education, or general care.
Community Projects: Charity can be directed towards community projects that benefit everyone. This might involve contributing to the building of a mosque, school, or any initiative that helps the community.
Aiding Those in Emergency: Muslims give Sadaqah to help those facing urgent needs, such as victims of natural disasters, war, or displacement. It’s a way of providing immediate assistance to those in crisis.
Healthcare and Education: Charity can be directed towards healthcare and education. This includes helping people access medical treatment or supporting educational initiatives for those who cannot afford it.
Godly Striving: Supporting efforts to establish justice and mercy is also a form of Charity. This might involve contributing to causes that work towards social justice, human rights, and other noble goals.
We believe that giving Charity is not just about helping others survive but also about helping them become self-sufficient. The intention behind giving is crucial, and the focus is on aiding those in need with sincerity and compassion.
In Islam, there’s no fixed amount for Sadaqah, and it can be given at any time. The goal is to foster a spirit of generosity, empathy, and community support among Muslims.
How do Muslims give Sadaqah?
We Muslims give Sadaqah, which is a form of voluntary charity, in different ways. You might give money or help to those in need, like giving to the poor, supporting orphans, or contributing to community projects. It’s a way for us Muslims to share our wealth and help others in ourr community. Sadaqah is often given with a sincere intention to help, and it can be done in various forms, not just money, but also through actions that benefit others.
Does Sadaqah protect you?
Indeed, giving Sadaqah (voluntary charity) can protect you from harm or difficulties that may be unavoidable otherwise. I have personally experienced situations where I started my day by giving some money as Sadaqah and then went on a journey. During the journey, I felt a sense of protection from Allah.
Likewise, reciting Ayatul Kursi (a verse from the Quran), saying a Dua before leaving the house, or making a Dua before entering the bathroom are ways to seek protection for your soul from evil forces in day-to-day life. It’s like a shield that helps guard you from potential harm.
What are the rules of Sadaqah?
The rules for giving Sadaqah are pretty simple:
- Intentions Matter: You should give with the intention of pleasing Allah and helping others.
- Voluntary Giving: Sadaqah is voluntary charity, not something you’re obligated to give.
- Types of Sadaqah: It can be money, food, clothes, or any help that benefits someone in need.
- Regular Giving: It’s good to give Sadaqah regularly, not just once in a while.
- Sincerity: Your charity should come from the heart, without expecting anything in return.
- Privacy: It’s often better to give in private, without showing off or seeking praise.
- Seeking Allah’s Reward: Remember, your reward comes from Allah, so don’t seek recognition from people.
Does giving Sadaqah removes sins?
Absolutely, according to what Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) has said, giving Sadaqah (charity) is like a shield of protection that can help remove sins. It’s a way of seeking forgiveness and safeguarding oneself spiritually. So, by believing in and practicing the act of giving Sadaqah, one can find a sense of protection from the consequences of sins.
What do you say when giving Sadaqah?
When giving Sadaqah or charity, you can say these du’as to make it more meaningful. For example, you can say:
“Allaahumma taqabbal minni innaka anta al-samee’ al-‘aleem.”
Islam.qa
Which means: “O Allah, accept from me, for You are the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
And also:
“Allaahumma aj’alha maghnaman wa la taj’alha maghraman.”
Islam.qa
Which means: “O Allah, make it a cause of gain, and do not make it a cause of loss.”
These Dua’s express your sincerity and hope that Allah accepts your act of giving. It’s like saying, “O Allah, hear me, know my intention, accept what I’m giving, and make it a source of gain, not loss.”
The most important thing about doing this charitable act is your intention. That’s what counts in the end.
When Should you give Sadaqah?
You can give Sadaqah, or charity, at different times and for various reasons. If you are going through a tough time, facing difficulties, or if you want things to become easier for you, giving charity before praying is a good way to seek closeness to Allah (Dua to thank Allah) through righteous actions.
For example, if there’s a general concern in the community, like a need for rain, giving charity before praying is a way to express your concern and seek Allah’s help.
Conclusion
This is the best thing a Muslim or any human in this world can do to help build the society that the Quran says, where every human being is equal and a brother to them in faith.
Once you start doing this, trust me, it will be something that will bring world desire into a reality and an easier life in Barzakh.
I hope you liked reading it. My only purpose is for you to have a beautiful life in this world and hereafter.
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