Sadaqah is called a voluntary charity performed with the aim of pleasing Allah (SWT). It’s more like showing your sincerity of faith and behavior by giving out of your little earnings. The Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) emphasize the need and importance of giving Sadaqah regularly. There are many benefits of giving Sadaqah, and you can also inculcate the habit.
Sadaqah can be given in different forms, like cash, clothing, food, toys, and other goods. It’s an act of generosity that brings blessings from Allah (SWT).
Types of Sadaqah
There are different ways of giving Sadaqah, and they comprise the types of Sadaqah in Islam.
- Talking gently to avoid rudeness
- Resisting the temptation to do evil deeds
- Forgiving with a sincere heart
- Being respectful to both young and old
- Being happy for others without envy or jealousy
- Taking care of the sick and visiting them
- Removing harmful items on the pathways
- Guiding someone right
- Praying for a friend or stranger
- Spreading your knowledge
- Advising people
- A warm and genuine smile
- Providing help
- Raising God-fearing kids
The Difference between Sadaqah and Zakat
We’ve established that Zakat and Sadaqah are acts of charity. However, there’s a difference between them. Zakat is a compulsory charity that’s part of the five pillars of Islam. It’s a donation that all who are eligible must donate once every year. But Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity to please Allah (SWT). It can be in any form and at any time of the year.
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
It’s a form of Sadaqah which is long-term. Also, it can include sponsoring orphans, planting trees, paying child fees, etc. The best form of Sadaqah for parents or deceased parents is Sadaqah Jariyah. It can consist of building a mosque, an orphanage, a school, and any other ongoing charity that will amass rewards for your parents.
Benefits of Giving Sadaqah
Sadaqah helps to increase your Iman. The donation can be spiritual, monetary, or materialistic, but the act gives you and the receiver happiness. Here are other benefits of giving Sadaqah.
- It helps to meet the needs of the poor members of a community
- Sadaqah adds value to a community and ensures the members’ well-being.
- It cleanses the human heart of malice, greed, and obsession with wealth
- Increases wealth and eliminates bad luck.
- It gives hope to those in debt or financial challenges
- Sadaqah eases hardship
- Sadaqah extinguishes sins
- Sadaqah is one of the gates of Jannah for those who perform it.
- It’ll be a shade on the day of judgment
- Sadaqah is a means of acceptance of Dua
- Sadaqah Jariyah helps you earn more rewards after death
- It guides you to cross the Sirat Bridge on the Day of Judgement
Quran and Hadith Verses about Sadaqah
1. “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Hadith, Tirmidhi)
2. “Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: for He loves not creatures ungrateful and sinner.” (Qu’ran 2:276)
3. “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.” (Hadith, Tirmidhi)
4. “That which you give in usury for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah: but that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.” (Qu’ran 30:39)
5. “Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth, and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people. (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Who can give Sadaqah?
There are no rules or guidelines for who is eligible to give Sadaqah. Also, there are no financial requirements you must meet to observe this act of worship. Thus, anyone with the means can give Sadaqah. Giving out from your little earnings will increase your wealth and elevate your position with Allah (SWT).
Bottom Line
In this article, we’ve explored Sadaqah, the Sadaqah types, the Hadith and verses about Sadaqah, the difference between Sadaqah and Zakat, and the benefits of giving Sadaqah.