What Is Sadaqah?
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Written by: M. Hamza
Researcher: Ayesha Rahman
Reviewed by: Omar Abdullah
Last Review: 9 September 2026
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Sadaqah is an act of charity in Islam which is performed voluntarily in the name of Allah. Sadaqah is a word derived from Arabic "Sidq," meaning sincerity. So, Sadaqah can be referred to as an act of sincere good deed.
Zakat and Sadaqah differ in the way that Zakat is obligatory while Sadaqah is not. In other words, when you perform Sadaqah, you do so at your free will anytime you wish.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Every good deed is charity (Sadaqah)."
This means Sadaqah is not just about money. It includes all kinds of good actions.
Zakat vs. Sadaqah
| Feature | Zakat | Sadaqah |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Compulsory (Fard) | Voluntary (Nafil) |
| Amount | Fixed (2.5%) | Any amount |
| Threshold | Nisab required | No nisab |
| Timing | Annual (lunar year) | Any time |
| Recipients | Eight specific groups | Anyone in need |
| Intention | Must be Zakat | General charity |
Types of Sadaqah
Sadaqah Jariyah (Ongoing Charity)
This is a special kind of Sadaqah. It continues to give rewards even after you die. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"After death, the good deeds of that person cease except for three things: continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and prayers from one's offspring."
Examples include:
- Building a well or water source
- Planting a tree that provides food or shade
- Building a mosque or school
- Teaching someone beneficial knowledge
- Donating books or a library
Sadaqah Nafilah (Voluntary Charity)
Sadaqah Nafilah is regular Sadaqah given throughout life. It can be money, food, clothing, or any act of kindness.
Forms of Sadaqah
Sadaqah is not limited to money. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that many simple acts count as Sadaqah:
- A kind word. Speaking gently and kindly to others is Sadaqah.
- A smile. Smiling at your brother or sister is Sadaqah.
- Helping someone. Carrying someone's load, helping them with a task, or giving directions is Sadaqah.
- Removing harm. Clearing a thorn, rock, or obstacle from the road is Sadaqah.
- Visiting the sick. Checking on someone who is unwell is Sadaqah.
- Sharing knowledge. Teaching someone something useful is Sadaqah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"On every joint of a person, there is a Sadaqah due every day. Every act of justice is Sadaqah, helping a man ride his animal is Sadaqah, a good word is Sadaqah, and every step taken towards prayer is Sadaqah."
Who Can Receive Sadaqah?
You can give Sadaqah to anyone in need. Unlike Zakat, you can also give it to:
- Non-Muslims
- Family members
- Friends and neighbors
- Anyone who asks
- Animals
The Rewards of Sadaqah
The Qur'an and Hadith speak of many benefits:
1. Allah increases your wealth. The Prophet said:
"Charity does not decrease wealth."
2. It protects you from calamity. The Prophet said:
"Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity."
3. It extinguishes sins. The Prophet said:
"Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire."
4. It brings shade on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet said:
"The shade of a believer on the Day of Judgment will be their charity."
Examples of Sadaqah in Daily Life
- Giving food to a hungry person
- Donating clothes to a shelter
- Helping a neighbor carry groceries
- Visiting someone who is sick
- Speaking kindly to someone who is upset
- Smiling at a stranger
- Sharing useful knowledge online
- Helping a colleague with their work
- Feeding a stray animal or bird
- Removing something dangerous from the street
Sadaqah in the Qur'an
Allah says in the Qur'an:
"The analogy of people that utilize their riches for the sake of Allah is just like a single seed of grain that produces seven spikes, and each spike has one hundred grains. And Allah increases the provision of whom He wills."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)
"Those who spend their wealth during day and night, secretly and openly, they shall receive their reward from their Lord. There should be no fear upon them, nor shall they grieve."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:274)
"And whatever you spend in the way of Allah, He will replace it. And He is the best of providers."
— Surah Saba (34:39)
A Practical Reminder
One can make Sadaqah at any time of the year; however, many people tend to make more of it during the month of Ramadan, especially on the special day of Laylatul Qadr.
Even if you have little to give, the Prophet encouraged:
"Protect yourselves from the Fire even with half a date."
And if you have nothing at all to give, then:
"A good word is Sadaqah."
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