The best charity is to satisfy a hungry person, said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He also said, "No wealth (of a servant of Allah) is decreased because of charity."
- Al-Tirmidhi
What is Sadaqah?
It is a kind act of charitable giving that people perform to please the Almighty Allah and make a better world, as opposed to obligatory forms such as Zakat. Sadaqah can be given any time and in any amount, and this make it a powerful way for Muslims to help their sisters and brothers.
Sadaqah is derived from an Arabic word ‘sidq’ which means sincerity. As it stands for kindness and charity, it can be given in the form of money, lending a hand, making someone smile, or even removing obstacles from someone’s path. This kind of charity purifies the soul and overcome the hardships of less fortunate.
By giving Sadaqah, you follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and bring love and peace in the community.
What is Zakat?
Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which is an obligatory form of charity to help those who are less fortunate. It is a divine order from Allah (SWT) to share a portion of wealth with those in need to keep the economy in balance for the welfare of society.
The Muslims who possess wealth above the Nisab level (a minimum amount) must give 2.5% of their saving as Zakat each year. Along with a financial duty, it is a moral duty that helps people to be thankful to others.
Through Zakat, wealth is redistributed and empowering the oppressed to lead a dignified life. It brings people together and remind us that wealth is a gift from Allah (SWT) to help everyone.
Sadaqah and Zakat both come under the deed of giving
Key Differences Between Sadaqah and Zakat
Obligation:Zakat is mandatory for those who possess wealth above Nisab threshold, while Sadaqah is voluntary act of charity.
Eligibility Criteria:Zakat is calculated based on value of nisab, whereas Sadaqah has no such criteria to follow.
Usage Difference:Zakat must be spent on certain categories listed in the Quran, and Sadaqah can be given for any charitable purpose.
Amount: Zakat requires a fixed percentage of wealth, whereas Sadaqah has no set amount.
Frequency: Zakat is given annually, while Sadaqah can be given anytime throughout the year.
You can give many types of Sadaqah
Who deserves Sadaqah?
The people eligible for Sadaqah include anyone in need of the bare necessities. You can give many types of Sadaqah to any individual and any of the groups of people through charity organisations like Al Mustafa trust. You can find more information on questions like what is Sadaqah? on pages throughout our websites.
Benefits of Sadaqah?
Sadaqah can benefit you in many ways, with rewards both in this life and the next. Each Sadaqah action has multiple rewards of its own, and you can expect these in any form through times of hardship. Sadaqah Jariyah on the other hand will benefit you for eternity and will continue to work as a deed even after your death.
Difference between Zakat and Sadaqah
Sadaqah hadith
It’s been narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said that “the best object of charity is that which is given by a wealthy person (from the money left after their expenses)” Al Bukhari. As a result, you are given many options and ways of giving charity whilst knowing the difference it makes in the less fortunate people’s lives. You can calculate how much zakat you need to pay on our zakat calculator UK at the top of our website.
Any zakat donation you give today will make a difference tomorrow. Insha’allah we can change the world together, and with your generosity we’ve already tackled many aspects of poverty.