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Understand the significance of Sadaqah and how to fully reap its rewards
In Islam, Sadaqah represents a form of charity that helps those in need while enhancing a Muslim’s bond with Allah. It takes many forms, from giving money, food, or knowledge, to acts of kindness like assisting a neighbor or offering a smile to a stranger. Continue reading to explore the importance of Sadaqah, its rewards, and how you can contribute to those in your community through charity.
What is Sadaqah in Islam?
Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity that Muslims offer to seek Allah’s pleasure. The term “Sadaqah” derives from the Arabic word “sidq,” meaning “sincerity.” It encompasses short-term donations such as money, food, clothing, knowledge, or simple acts of kindness. Sadaqah Jariyah, on the other hand, refers to lasting charitable acts with enduring benefits, such as planting trees or building wells.
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Understanding Sadaqah
Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity given to seek Allah’s pleasure. The term “Sadaqah” comes from the Arabic language, meaning “voluntary charity” or simply “giving.” It represents short-term donations such as money, food, clothing, acts of kindness, or sharing knowledge. This act of worship purifies your soul and brings divine blessings and rewards from Allah.
- Sadaqah is derived from the root word “sidq,” which means “sincerity,” emphasizing that Sadaqah should always be given with the intention of pleasing Allah.
- Sadaqah Jariyah refers to a long-lasting charitable act, such as constructing a community center or planting trees. The term “Jariyah,” which means “flowing” or “continuing,” signifies that the benefits of such charity extend over time.
The Significance of Sadaqah in the Quran
Sadaqah is highlighted multiple times in the holy Quran. The Quran instructs: “Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and give from what He has entrusted you with. Those of you who believe and donate (give Sadaqah) will receive a great reward.” Other verses detail the benefits of giving Sadaqah, both in this life and the hereafter:
- “Whatever you believers give in charity is for your own good, as long as you do so seeking the pleasure of Allah. Whatever you donate will be returned to you fully, and you will not be wronged.” (Quran 2:272)
- “Speaking kind words and forgiving others is better than charity followed by harm. And Allah is Self-Sufficient, Most Forbearing.” (Quran 2:263)
Comparing Sadaqah and Zakat
Zakat al-Fitr is compulsory, while Sadaqah is voluntary. Zakat, meaning “that which purifies,” is a mandatory annual payment and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Unlike Zakat, Sadaqah has no set amount, can be given at any time, and is a continuous expression of generosity, encompassing various forms beyond just financial contributions.
- Only those who meet specific criteria can pay or receive Zakat, while anyone can contribute to or benefit from Sadaqah.
- Zakat is calculated as 2.5% of your wealth, whereas Sadaqah allows for flexibility in the amount donated, with no minimum or maximum limits.
- While both Sadaqah Jariyah and regular Sadaqah offer ongoing rewards after death, Zakat is a charitable act confined to this life.
Advantages of Giving Sadaqah
Giving away your wealth or time protects you from harm and adversity. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Give charity without hesitation, for it serves as a shield against calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi) By supporting those in need, you shield yourself from misfortune, and any potential harm that may come your way will be minimized.
- Whether in times of ease or hardship, giving Sadaqah benefits the giver by protecting them from calamities and trials.
Charitable acts reward and shield you in the afterlife. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated, “A believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi) and “Protect yourself from the fire of Hell, even if by giving a date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Even the smallest act of charity can provide shelter on the Day of Judgment and protect you from the fire of Jahannam in the hereafter.
- Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “If anyone alleviates a hardship of a Muslim in this world, Allah will relieve him of a hardship on the Day of Resurrection.” (Book 16, Hadith 29).
- In the Quran, Allah promises, “Surely those men and women who give Sadaqah (alms) and have advanced a good loan to Allah will see their deeds multiplied, and they will receive a noble reward.” (Quran 57:18)
Sadaqah purifies the sins of those who give what they can. In a Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Sadaqah extinguishes sins just as water puts out fire.” (Al-Tirmidhi). By consistently giving Sadaqah throughout your life, you protect yourself from your sins, even those you might not be aware of.
Giving Sadaqah does not deplete your wealth. When you give Sadaqah, your wealth is not diminished because the rewards come in the afterlife, and Allah empowers those who endure hardship with patience. However, Allah will reduce the wealth of those who seek more than what they possess.
- The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Every morning, two angels descend. One says: ‘O Allah, repay the one who gives in charity!’ The other says: ‘O Allah, bring destruction to the one who withholds charity!’” (Bukhari)
Sadaqah alleviates poverty, hunger, and other societal issues. The Quran advises, “Be good to others as Allah has been good to you” (28:77). Donating your time, resources, or wealth to those in need can help ease suffering both locally and globally. It improves your bond with Allah and also benefits others.
- Sadaqah fosters a spirit of mutual aid and highlights the significance of showing kindness and generosity to others.
How to Give Sadaqah & Sadaqah Jariyah
Sadaqah Sadaqah comes from what you lawfully own, is directed toward a just cause, and is given solely to please Allah. If you cannot offer wealth or property, you can give your time or labor. Some examples of Sadaqah include:
- Providing shelter for the homeless or displaced
- Donating to charities that supply food or water to those in need
- Volunteering at a shelter or animal rescue
- Sharing food with a neighbor in need
- Offering directions to someone who is lost
- Visiting the sick or those near death
- Smiling at a stranger
- Making Du’a for others
Sadaqah Jariyah Sadaqah Jariyah represents acts of charity that continue to benefit others long after they are performed. As long as your action remains helpful to individuals, communities, or the environment, you will continue to earn Allah’s rewards, even after passing from this world. Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah include:
- Planting trees
- Sponsoring an orphan with regular donations
- Building a well for a community
- Contributing to the construction of a school, mosque, or community center
- Teaching a skill or sharing valuable knowledge
- Building shelters for people or animals
- Providing livestock for a needy family
- Planting wildflowers to support biodiversity and wildlife
- Donating religious materials
Giving Sadaqah for Allah
Donate charity at any time to assist those in need. Sadaqah can be given at any time throughout the year. While some Muslims choose to offer charity after experiencing an illness or a bad dream, others prefer to give during Ramadan, a time when the rewards are amplified.
- Sadaqah can be given to both Muslims and non-Muslims, but it is not meant for those who are not struggling or those who have sufficient wealth to care for themselves and their families.
Give Sadaqah discreetly without anyone else knowing. In Islam, giving Sadaqah privately ensures that your charity is given solely for the sake of Allah. This helps protect you from the desire to show off your good deeds or seek praise from others. To maximize your rewards in the afterlife and keep your intentions pure, aim to give charity in secret.
- Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “There are seven people whom Allah will provide shade on the Day of Judgment… A man who gives in charity and conceals it, to the point that his left hand doesn’t know what his right hand gives in charity” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
- However, giving charity publicly is also permissible if it encourages others to do the same.
Make du’a and reflect on your intentions before giving Sadaqah. Before you donate your wealth or time, take a moment to connect with Allah to ensure your actions are motivated by a desire to draw closer to Him. Perform Dhikr as you pray, articulating your intentions so that Allah accepts your charity.
- Avoid giving Sadaqah for personal gain. Instead, focus on donating to strengthen your relationship with Allah.
Give the best you have or money from lawful sources. The money you give as Sadaqah must come from lawful earnings, not from haram sources such as selling alcohol. The Quran advises, “Donate from the best of what you have earned… Do not select worthless items for donation, things you yourselves would only accept with reluctance” (2:267).
- Donate money earned through lawful employment or business dealings. Offer quality items that others can use or enjoy, such as new clothes or fresh food.
- The Quran also says, “You will never attain righteousness until you give from what you cherish. And whatever you give is certainly known to Allah” (3:92), meaning that giving away what you truly value is an act of pure charity.
Donate to trustworthy and reputable organizations. When deciding to contribute your time or money to a charity, ensure that you choose one with a solid reputation for effectively using its resources. Some well-established charities that accept Sadaqah include:
Avoid keeping track of your Sadaqah donations. To maintain the purity of your intentions and earn the greatest reward, refrain from expecting anything in return or keeping a record of your charitable acts. As Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Give charity and do not keep count, for Allah will keep count of the provision He gives you” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim).
- Once you have given charity, try to forget about it entirely. The ability to donate Sadaqah is a gift from Allah, which will earn you His mercy in the afterlife.
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No contribution is too small, and even a modest donation can protect you from Hellfire.
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Some of the most valuable forms of Sadaqah include providing water or food to those in need, offering shelter to the homeless, and freeing those who are enslaved.
