Muslims and Sadaqah

Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) was sent as an example for mankind. Throughout his life he showed us the importance of Sadaqah by giving whatever he had as charity and saving very little of what he owned for himself. We Muslims are also encouraged and ordered in the Quran to involve in giving charity to the poor and the needy.  

What Should a Muslim Know About Sadaqah?

Sadaqah, which derived from the Arabic root Sadq (truth) means any form of charitable giving that is voluntary. Every action of righteousness done to benefit another is considered as Sadaqah, be it smiling or feeding the poor. It is noteworthy to highlight that charity is the only form of spending, where your wealth never reduces from giving to another.  

The Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “Whoever gives charity equal to a date from good (halal) earnings – for Allah does not accept anything but that which is good – Allah will take it in His right hand and tend it for the one who gave it as any one of you tends his foal, until it becomes like a mountain.” (Al-Bukhari)

Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah

Zakat and Sadaqah both refers to charity in Islam and has been advocated many times in both the Quran and Sunnah. Unlike Sadaqah, Zakat is an obligatory giving which is a duty upon every abled Muslim. It is the duty of every Muslim to give in charity 2.5% of their annual cumulative wealth to Muslims belonging to one of the eight eligible groups.

On the other hand, Sadaqah is the voluntary giving and acts of righteousness done to help the poor and needy to please Allah (SWT). It is a spiritual obligation upon every Muslim who is looking forward to please Allah (SWT) to give of what He has bestowed upon us. Sadaqah can be given to anyone at any time of the year.

TYPES OF SADAQAH

Sadaqah is not restricted to any form of wealth, money, materials or good deeds. All good deeds done by Muslims for the sake of Allah SWT) to benefit another being is considered as Sadaqah in Islam.

Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “Every Muslim has to give in Sadaqah (charity).” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him)! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot do even that?” He replied, “Then he should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He replied, “Then he should perform all that is good and keep away from all that is evil and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Bukhari)

Sadaqah can be performed by any Muslim with the intention of pleasing Allah (SWT) and doing good to his brother. To be eligible to give Sadaqah one need not be very wealthy, but rather have pure intention only.

Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “To smile in the company of your brother is charity. To command to do good deeds and to prevent others from doing evil is charity. To guide a person in a place where he cannot get astray is charity. To remove troublesome things like thorns and bones from the road is charity. To pour water from your jug into the jug of your brother is charity. To guide a person with defective vision is charity for you.” (Bukhari)

Making dua for the wellbeing of someone is also a form of Sadaqah. Feeding the poor, digging wells, helping the education of poor, and even planting a tree under which people can rest is considered as Sadaqah.