What Is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is a voluntary charity in Islam that is given entirely for the sake of Allah. It is a simple way to help others. People can give money or do kind acts. Sadaqah is not limited to humans; helping animals also counts as Sadaqah.
Sadaqah in Islam is not an obligation like Zakat. The giver decides the amount and when to give it.
In Islam, it is an act of worship. The Quran and Hadith highlight its importance. The Quran states,
ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٰلَهُم بِٱلَّيۡلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ سِرّٗا وَعَلَانِيَةٗ فَلَهُمۡ أَجۡرُهُمۡ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ وَلَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ
"Those who spend their wealth [in Allah‘s way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve."
(Quran 2:274)
The Quran also states,
صَّدِّقِينَ وَٱلۡمُصَّدِّقَٰتِ وَأَقۡرَضُواْ ٱللَّهَ قَرۡضًا حَسَنٗا يُضَٰعَفُ لَهُمۡ وَلَهُمۡ أَجۡرٞ كَرِيمٞ
“Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan – it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.”
(Quran 57:18)
Sadaqah benefits both the giver and the receiver by spreading kindness and care in society. It reminds people to help others. Islam encourages giving in different ways to create a more generous and caring community.
Sadaqah Meaning In Islam
Sadaqah comes from the Arabic root word "sidq" (s-d-q, ص د ق) which means sincerity. The word sadaqah means voluntary charity given with sincere intentions. In Islam, it is encouraged to pay sadaqah solely in the name of Allah.
Sadaqah in Islam is defined as giving something without expecting anything in return from the receiver. It is an act of righteousness and a sign of true faith. The word shows the deep link between generosity and sincerity.
Why Give Sadaqah?
Sadaqah brings many benefits to both the giver and the receiver. It improves their lives in many ways. Let’s see why giving Sadaqah is important.
1. Purifies Wealth and Soul
Sadaqah removes greed and selfishness, allowing you to grow spiritually. When you give, you feel closer to Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) said,
"....and charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.."
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3973)
2. Protects from Hardships
Sadaqah can shield you from accidents and illnesses. Giving charity brings Allah's mercy and helps you through difficult times.. When you help others, blessings return to you.
3. Strengthens Community
Sadaqah supports those in need. It helps families, elderly, and disabled people. When we give, we create a kinder, fairer society. By supporting others, we build a stronger community that benefits everyone.
4. Improves Mental Well-Being
Giving Sadaqah makes you feel happy and fulfilled. It helps you understand others’ struggles. This creates a better mindset and builds stronger relationships with others. Helping others brings peace to the heart. Islam teaches that doing good deeds benefits both the person who gives and the one who receives.
5. Brings Blessings and Prosperity
The Prophet taught that charity does not reduce wealth. Instead, it brings barakah or blessings. People who give often receive unexpected financial blessings. Sadaqah leads to success and abundance. The Quran states,
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتۡ سَبۡعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٖ مِّاْئَةُ حَبَّةٖۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُۚ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.”
(Quran 2:261)
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (SAW) as saying:
“Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.”
(Sahih Muslim 2588)
6. Creates Lasting Change
Sadaqah Jariyah is a charity that keeps helping others even after it's given. Supporting education of orphaned children or health centers helps families for years. Even small donations can make a big difference over time.
Who Can Receive Sadaqah?
Anyone can receive Sadaqah. It is open to all. You can help the poor, support neighbors, or assist someone in need. Even a simple smile at a stranger is also Sadaqah.
You can volunteer or donate to a homeless person. Spending time with a friend or family member counts as well. Helping animals also counts.
There are no limits—anyone can give, and anyone can receive. It is a simple and selfless act for all.
What Is Sadaqah Jariyah
Sadaqah Jariyah is a charity that keeps benefiting others for a long time. It continues to bring rewards even after death. A good example is planting a tree. As long as it gives shade and oxygen, the donor gets rewards.
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said,
“When a man dies all his good deeds come to an end except three: Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him”
(Sunan an-Nasa'i 3651)
Another hadith Narrated by Aisha says:
The Prophet (SAW) was asked, "What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said, "The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few." He added, 'Don't take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability."
(Bukhari 6465)
There are many ways to give Sadaqah Jariyah. Donating to hospitals, building wells, and sponsoring orphans are great options. Each act continues to benefit others long after it's given. Sharing the Qur’an or teaching Islam also carries immense, ongoing rewards.
Sadaqah Jariyah can change lives. It provides water, education, healthcare, and shelter to these in need. It gives people hope and a brighter future. Even a small act of kindness can bring endless blessings for the giver and receiver.
Difference Between Sadaqah And Sadaqah Jariyah
Sadaqah is a short-term charity. Sadaqah Jariyah is a long-term charity. Both bring rewards, but their impact is different.
Sadaqah helps someone immediately. Giving food or money is Sadaqah. Volunteering or smiling at someone is also Sadaqah. It can be given anytime and there is no fixed amount.
Sadaqah Jariyah benefits people for a long time. Building a water well or a school is Sadaqah Jariyah. These continue helping others even after the death of the giver. Many give it to their loved ones. Giving it in Ramadan or Dhul Hijjah is special.
So, Sadaqah meets urgent needs while Sadaqah Jariyah keeps helping over time. Choose based on your goal—immediate help or long-term impact. Both are valuable and rewarding.
FAQ1: Can sadaqah be food?
Yes, you can give food as Sadaqah. Giving food to someone in need counts as charity. Islam encourages helping others in any way possible.
FAQ2: Can you give sadaqah for someone else?
Yes, you can give Sadaqah for someone else. The person can be alive or deceased. You must have the right intention for it to be valid.
FAQ3: Can you give sadaqah for dead person?
Yes, you can give Sadaqah for a deceased person. This honors their legacy and benefits them.
FAQ4: Can you give sadaqah for non muslims?
Yes, you can give Sadaqah to non-Muslims. Sadaqah is a voluntary charity for anyone in need. Islam promotes kindness and generosity to all people.
FAQ5: Can Sadaqah be given to parents?
Yes, you can give Sadaqah to your parents. Islam values helping parents in any way. It is one of the best ways to give Saqaqah.
FAQ6: Can Zakat be used for sadaqah jariyah?
No, Zakat cannot be used for Sadaqah Jariyah. Zakat is an obligatory charity in Islam meant for those in need, while Sadaqah Jariyah is a voluntary continuous form of charity. These are two separate types of giving. But it is valid for some exceptional situations.
FAQ7: Can you pay sadaqah to mosque?
Yes, you can give Sadaqah to a mosque. You can donate money, items, or volunteer.