What is Sadaqah in Islam?

Sadaqah is one of the most important practices in Islam. The concept of Sadaqah is not restricted to monetary contributions, hence making it accessible to all Muslims, regardless of their financial status. Sadaqah promotes many Islamic values and promises great spiritual rewards. In this article, we will answer the question: What is Sadaqah in Islam? We will also examine the importance of Sadaqah, its various types, and its purpose as mentioned in the Quran and Hadith.

What is Sadaqah in Islam?

Human lives are brief and fragile. According to the Quran, life is a test from Allah (SWT):

“[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)

To succeed in this test, believers must steadfastly hold on to the faith and values prescribed by Allah (SWT). Since Allah (SWT) is magnanimous, He provides believers with numerous opportunities to earn redemption and spiritual rewards. Sadaqah is one of the ways we can accumulate these blessings and help contribute to a better society. The word Sadaqah is derived from “Sidq”, which means truthfulness or sincerity.

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Types of Sadaqah in Islam:

For those seeking to understand Islam, a fundamental question that arises is: What is Sadaqah in Islam? And is it always monetary?

Sadaqah can be monetary or non-monetary. Monetary Sadaqah or financial contributions may include cash, food, clothing, medical aid, or any other form of assistance to orphans, widows, the needy, or those facing difficult circumstances. 

Non-monetary acts of Sadaqah include simple acts of kindness. Smiling at someone, offering good counsel, teaching others, sharing beneficial knowledge, helping someone carry their belongings, visiting the sick, removing harmful objects from a path, facilitating reconciliation between people, praying for others, and even speaking kindly to others are all considered Sadaqah.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Every joint of a person must perform a charity each day that the sun rises: to judge justly between two people is a charity. To help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity. And the good word is a charity. And every step that you take towards the prayer is a charity, and removing a harmful object from the road is a charity.” [Al-Bukhari] [Muslim] Hadith 26, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi

Sadaqah Jariya

While discussing the question “What is Sadaqah in Islam?”, it is important to consider the concept of Sadaqah Jariya.

When a person passes away, their worldly affairs come to an end, and so do their chances to perform good deeds. However, the acts of Sadaqah Jariyah allow them to continue earning spiritual rewards. Therefore, Sadaqah Jariya is a valuable investment for the afterlife.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When a man dies, all his good deeds come to an end except three: Ongoing charity (Sadaqahh Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Sunan an-Nasa’I, 3651)

Sadaqah can Avoid Calamities.

The following are the most common acts of Sadaqah Jariya:

• Building mosques
• Building Schools
• Developing Clean Water Sources
• Planting Trees
• Donating Copies of the Quran
• Supporting Orphans
• Teaching Valuable Skills

Sadaqah Wajiba:

Sadaqah Wajiba is a type of Sadaqah which is binding in nature. It includes Zakat, Sadaqah Fitr, Nadhr, Fidya, Kaffarah, and Udhiyyah. For detailed information, you can read our article about Sadaqah Wajiba. 

Benefits of Giving Sadaqah:

Sadaqah allows us to remain sensitive to the pain of others. It encourages us to be kind and fulfill the needs of others, hence contributing to a better society.

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. So he should neither oppress him nor hand him over to an oppressor. And whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6951)

Another reason to give Sadaqah is to safeguard oneself against calamities. 

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Give the Sadaqah without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” “Razln transmitted it.” “ The idea is that it acts as a barrier beyond which calamity cannot pass.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, 1887)

Allah (SWT) can change anyone’s fate. The Quran tells us:

“Allah eliminates what He wills or confirms, and with Him is the Mother of the Book.” (Surat Ar-Ra`d, 13:39)

Hence, giving Sadaqah regularly can help us avoid many personal misfortunes. It is also a great source of atonement.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood, and charity extinguishes bad deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is a shield against the Fire.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 4210)

Sadaqah also promises protection in the afterlife. According to a Hadith:

“Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who gives respite to someone who is in straitened circumstances, or grants him remission, Allah will shelter him in the shade of His Throne, on the Day of Resurrection, when there will be no shade except its shade.” (Riyad as-Salihin, 1373)

Why Donate Sadaqah to Transparent Hands?

At Transparent Hands, we are committed to providing medical and surgical care to deserving patients in Pakistan. Since 2014, we have benefited over 250,000 patients across Pakistan. We also organize medical camps to reach out to the most deserving people in low-income areas. Your Sadaqah, Zakat, and other donations bring hope for many deserving patients struggling to restore their health.

Conclusion:

In this article, we answered the following question: What is Sadaqah in Islam?  

Sadaqah is voluntary giving. It allows believers to practice generosity, compassion, and community support. It serves as a voluntary means for Muslims to seek spiritual rewards and redemption while contributing to the welfare of society. Whether through monetary contributions or simple acts of kindness, Sadaqah allows believers to practice the ideals prescribed by Islam.

Give Sadaqah to Transparent Hands to make a lasting impact on the lives of patients struggling to regain their health.