Types of Sadaqah and How to Pay it Online?

Sadaqah is voluntary giving in Islam, given with sincerity and the intention of pleasing Allah (SWT). Many people see Sadaqah as only financial charity, but it includes a much broader range of actions, such as reconciling between believers, giving good advice, teaching valuable skills, and maintaining a pleasant demeanor. All these acts collectively form a template for a society where people sincerely care for each other. Therefore, Muslims can give Sadaqah through financial donations, practical help, and even small acts of kindness. While all forms of Sadaqah offer great spiritual rewards, Sadaqa Jariyah offers continuous spiritual rewards even after a person’s death. In this article, we will discuss different types of Sadaqah and their merits.

What Are the Types of Sadaqah in Islam?

Sadaqah is a broad term that includes many kinds of charities, including financial and nonfinancial Sadaqah. The following hadith clearly explains that all good actions are Sadaqah: “Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, Enjoining, all that is good is a Sadaqa.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6021)

Financial Sadaqah

Financial Sadaqah is the simplest and the most universally understood form of Sadaqah. Poverty is one of the most prevalent and widespread human problems. In fact, it is the root cause of many other social problems. By giving financial Sadaqah, you can contribute to a more equitable world. The following Quranic verse clearly defines the power of Sadaqah: “[Charity is] for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah , unable to move about in the land. An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their [characteristic] sign. They do not ask people persistently [or at all]. And whatever you spend on good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:273) Providing clothing and essential items is also a great way to give Sadaqah. Remember that in winter, many needy people and their families endure extreme cold because they lack proper clothing and essential items. Similarly, in emergencies, tents, clothes, and similar essentials can save lives and are great ways of giving Sadaqah.

Food and essential-item donations

Offering food and essential items is also a great form of Sadaqah that can help underprivileged people meet their immediate nutritional and other needs.  The Quran defines the characteristics of believers as follows: “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive,” (Surat Al-‘Insān, 76:8) There is another Hadith that emphasizes the need to feed the hungry, especially if live around the neighborhood: “Ibn ‘Abbas informed Ibn az-Zubayr, “I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.'” (Al-Adab, Al-Mufrad 112) There is a Hadith that further shows the importance of Sadaqah: “Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr: A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) , ‘What sort of deeds or (what qualities of) Islam are good?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, ‘To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not Know (Sahih al-Bukhari, 12)

Helping people in need

It is a believer’s most basic responsibility to help individuals in need. The following Hadith explains the spiritual rewards associated with helping people in need: “Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: He who alleviates the suffering of a brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allah would alleviate his suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection, and he who finds relief for one who is hard-pressed, Allah would make things easy for him in the Hereafter, and he who conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah would conceal his faults in the world and in the Hereafter. Allah is at the back of a servant so long as the servant is at the back of his brother, and he who treads the path in search of knowledge, Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and those persons who assemble in the house among the houses of Allah (mosques) and recite the Book of Allah and they learn and teach the Qur’an (among themselves) there would descend upon them tranquility and mercy would cover them and the angels would surround them and Allah mentions them in the presence of those near Him, and he who is slow-paced in doing good deeds, his (high) lineage does not make him go ahead.” (Sahih Muslim, 2699a)

Acts of kindness

Kindness and forgiveness are also acts of Sadaqah. They offer great spiritual rewards to those who are willing to follow these Sunnahs with complete sincerity. The Quran tells us about the rewards of kind speech and forgiveness in the following verse: “Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:263) Even speaking to someone with kindness is Sadaqah, according to the following hadith: “Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “It is also charity to utter a good word.” [Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. It is part of a narration that has preceded in its entirety.”(Riyad as-Salihin, 693)

Beneficial knowledge

Ilm yuntafa‘u bihi (beneficial knowledge) is also a type of Sadaqah e Jariya. Its spiritual benefits keep accumulating even after a person’s death, according to the following hadith: “Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious child, who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Sahih Muslim, 1631)

Good words and encouragement

Encouragement motivates people and helps them feel good about themselves. This is a great quality that positively affects everyone around us and creates positive and healthy energy. The Prophet (ﷺ) was exceptionally soft-spoken, and being polite is a Sunnah and an act of Sadaqah that doesn’t cost us anything yet brings many spiritual rewards. The following Hadith tells us that gentleness is a great quality that Allah (SWT) loves: “It was narrated from Aishah that the Prophet(ﷺ) said: “Allah is Gentle and loves gentleness in all things.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3689)

Volunteering and assistance

Behavioral Sadaqah doesn’t cost believers anything, but it can benefit society in many ways. Remember that volunteering and providing assistance in a noble cause is also Sadaqah. The following hadith tells us that even removing something harmful  from the way is an act of Sadaqah: “Ibn ‘Abbas said, “There are 360 joints and each of them owes sadaqah every single day. Every good word is sadaqah. A man helping his brother is sadaqahj. A drink of water which he gives is sadaqah. Removing something harmful from the road is sadaqah.”” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, 422)

Sadaqah through community projects

Community projects provide a great opportunity for believers to participate in collective virtue. Building mosques and madrassas/schools is an act of Sadaqah e Jariya. By the same token, benefiting believers through a community project is highly encouraged in Islam. The following hadith clearly defines the spirit of Islam and what it seeks to achieve at the communal level: “Nu’man b. Bashir reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever.” (Sahih Muslim, 2586a)

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

Believers know that this life is a test.  As time flies, our window of opportunity to do virtuous deeds closes. The following Quranic verse clearly states: “[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -” (Surat Al-Mulk, 67:2) However, by committing to Sadaqah Jariyah, we can keep receiving spiritual rewards even after death, according to the following hadith: “Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious child, who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Sahih Muslim, 1631) Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah: You can donate Sadaqah Jariya by adopting the following:

• Building a mosque or a madrassa.
• Building hospitals.
• Giving a copy of the Quran to individuals or mosques.
• Planting Trees.
• Teaching valuable skills.
• Building freshwater resources.
• Providing for Orphans.

How Is Sadaqah Jariyah Different From Regular Sadaqah?
Among all the types of Sadaqah, Sadaqah Jariyah is the most unique. It is different from regular Sadaqah in a few ways. It requires believers to invest in assets or deeds that can last a long time. For example, by creating a hospital, school, or fresh water source, we create sources that can potentially outlive us. As long as these resources remain useful, the person who invested in these initiatives keeps receiving spiritual rewards. Besides physical resources, Sadaqah Jariya also includes transferring useful knowledge, which is an immensely valuable resource.

Examples of Sadaqah in Everyday Life

Conclusion:

Sadaqah, in many ways, reflects the essence of Islamic teachings that go beyond basic rituals and encourage believers to contribute to collective goodness. Many people think that Sadaqah is reserved only for financial support, but that’s not entirely true. While giving money, food, clothes, or other forms of support are valid ways to practice Sadaqah, treating people with kindness, offering good counsel, sharing knowledge, removing harmful objects from someone’s way, or even smiling are acts of Sadaqah that believers should include in their daily lives. Sadaqah Jariya is a special kind of Sadaqah that continues to give spiritual benefits even after a person’s death. You can also give Sadaqah to support healthcare causes; however, before supporting a healthcare-related charity, make sure it is trustworthy and complies with Shariah rulings.