What is Sadaqah

Islam is based on teaching people how to live their lives with hope, love, peace, unity, honesty, and confidence in Allah. There are many beneficial virtues of Islam. Sadaqah is one of the principles. It is a reflection of the best human qualities: generosity, empathy, and love.

So, what is Sadaqah? Sadaqah refers to acts of charity performed out of a sincere desire to please Allah. The means of charity need not be material or monetary in nature. Sadaqah can be as small as a smile or as simple as making dua for someone. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“It is also charity to utter a good word.”

Sadaqah is a wonderful concept of Islam. It inspires Muslims to be better human beings. Let’s dive in and learn about this fascinating concept of Islam.

Types of Sadaqah

The root word of ‘sadaqah’ is ‘sidq’ which means ‘sincerity’. Sadaqah meaning in Islam is giving voluntarily and without expecting to gain for Allah’s sake and benefit others. There are many types of charity in Islam. Giving money as a charity is the most well-known sadaqah. But there are many small but impactful sadqa in Islam. Some of the types of sadaqah are listed below:

 

1. 1. Praying (dua) for another person, whether they be a family or a complete stranger.

1. 1. Saying a kind word or giving a warm smile to make someone’s day blissful.

1. 1. Giving sincere advice or lending a hand in the need of someone.

1. 1. Spreading or passing on knowledge to the community.

1. 1. Offering food to animals.

1. 1. Having patience with other people and trust in Allah.

1. 1. Taking good care of your family and kids.

1. 1. To forgive someone when they sincerely ask for forgiveness.

1. 1. Removing hurtful things from the street.

1. 1. Be happy for other people without feeling envy.

The list can go on to like hundreds of points and still it won’t finish. Each and every good deed of yours that is somehow helping other living things are counted as sadaqah. A sadaqah hadith stated,

“For every alms given to creatures who have a living heart, you will get a good reward. A Muslim who grows plants which are then eaten by birds, humans, or animals, then it would be counted as charity for him.” – Bukhari and Muslim 

Giving with the goal of helping others is the essence of Sadaqah. And Allah places a high value on it.

Zakat and Sadaqah

Sadaqah and Zakat appeared interchangeably during the Quran’s revelation and Prophet Muhammad’s (may Allah have mercy on him) lifetime. Although both of them are a form of charity, there are clear differences between them.

The act of generosity known as sadaqah is fully voluntary. You can perform Sadaqah at any time of the year for any amount. 

On the other hand, Zakat is an obligation for all able-bodied Muslims. It falls on the shoulders of every Muslim who possesses assets (cash, gold, silver, or shares) that are equal to or greater than the nisab threshold. It is given on a yearly basis.

Sadaqah Jariyah

A charity that continues to help others even after the donor has passed away is known in Islam as sadaqah jariyah. In Islam, the words “sadaqah” and “jariyah” both refer to voluntary almsgiving or generosity.

Some examples of sadaqah jariyah are –

 

1. 1. The construction of a mosque, 

1. 1. The digging of a well, 

1. 1. The provision of facilities for healthcare or education, or 

1. 1. The support of an orphanage 

You can earn rewards continuously from Allah (SWT) by donating to these causes, even after you are no longer.

In essence, Sadaqah Jariyah is a self-sustaining form of charitable giving that maintains benefiting the community and enables the donor to continue to enjoy benefits long after their death.

Rewards of Giving Sadaqah

Giving Sadaqah (charity) is seen as a virtue in Islam and is associated with tremendous blessings in this life and the next. There are many benefits to making a sadaqah, including:

 

1. 1. Pleasing Allah

Giving Sadaqah is a way to express appreciation to Allah and to seek His pleasure.

 

2. 2. Purification of Wealth

Sadaqah cleanses money by eradicating any harm or negativity connected to it.

 

3. 3. Protection from Calamities

Giving Sadaqah can shield a person from misfortunes and challenges both in this world and the hereafter.

 

4. 4. Helping the Needy

Sadaqah provides for the fundamental requirements of people who are less fortunate and in need, such as clothing, shelter, and food.

 

5. 5. Forgiveness of Sins

With the help of Sadaqah, one can seek forgiveness for sins.

 

6. 6. Shield for Judgement Day

Donating Sadaqah can serve as a person’s shield on the Day of Judgment. It shields them from Allah’s retribution.

 

7. 7. Eternal Rewards

Making a sadaqah, particularly a sadaqah jariyah (ongoing generosity), can bring about rewards that last long after the donor has passed away.

In Islam, offering Sadaqah is regarded as a noble deed and is promoted as a way to obtain Allah’s blessings and benefits.

Who may Perform Sadaqah?

There are no set requirements or criteria for who is eligible to receive or give Sadaqah. Furthermore, there are no requirements related to money needed to make a sadaqah. So, anyone who has the resources and the desire to do so can make a sadaqah. Also, there are no limitations or restrictions on the way and when you donate sadaqah.

How to Give Sadaqah?

Sadaqah can be given in many ways as it is not about only money. But giving money as sadaqah is one of the most familiar forms of sadaqah. So, you can give money as sadaqah directly to the needy. Or, you can give donations to many non-profit organizations like UMR. We will distribute your sadaqah money to thousands of needy people around the world.

Donating for the Pleasure of Allah

The question of what is sadaqah in Islam. The answer is, it (voluntary charity) is a very significant act of worship that has many advantages and rewards. It supports social equality and justice, aids those in need, and purifies one’s wealth. Giving Sadaqah is a way of gaining Allah’s approval and mercy. It can shield one from misfortunes and challenges in both this life and the hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” – Tirmidhi