The Different Types of Sadaqah

What is Sadaqah in Islam

Sadaqah meaning is a charity given voluntarily in order to please God. Sadaqah also describes a voluntary charitable act towards others, whether through generosity, love, compassion, or faith. These acts are not necessarily physical or monetary. Simple good deeds, such as a smile, or a helping hand, are seen as acts of sadaqah.

Types of Sadaqah

Giving Sadaqah does not mean being rich and able to give out a good amount of money to poor and needy Muslims.

There are many types of Sadaqah that you can do and earn its benefits. 

There are various types of Sadaqah defined in the hadith and the Quran; these are:

1. Spreading knowledge is a Sadaqah.
2. Giving sincere advice is a type of Sadaqah.
3. Giving a helping hand, saying a kind word, even smiling at a fellow Muslim is Sadaqah.
4. It is a Sadaqah to share food.
5. Giving your time and energy to a good cause is also Sadaqah.
6. Having patience in times of trial is also an act of charity.
7. Caring for your family and children.

As you see, anything we give with pure intentions to help others is a Sadaqah. And it holds great value in the eyes of Allah.

Zakat and Sadaqah

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an obligatory annual payment from every Muslim, made to purify all wealth held above the Nisab threshold value. 

Sadaqah is not at all obligatory; it is a simple act of kindness, a generous gesture made with the intention of helping others and being close to Allah the Most Merciful.

Ramadan is the Best Time to Pay Zakat

Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah Jariyah is a charity that continues to benefit people long-term and continues to earn the giver rewards even after death.

Sadaqah Jariyah for Deceased

Sadaqah Jariyah is a gift that not only benefits others in this life but also benefits us and our loved ones in the next.

“When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them.”

 The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as narrated by Muslim.

Sponsoring a Child, Teacher, or Orphan

Sadaqah Jariyah means a continuous, flowing, and ongoing charity. It is a long-term Sadaqah. It benefits those who receive it for a long time.

Therefore, sponsoring an orphan, a child, or a teacher for that matter, will satisfy and benefit them for months ahead, and help them,  in turn, support their local communities. 

Spreading Knowledge

Being born as a Muslim is a blessing in itself. Therefore, having the knowledge and spreading the right knowledge about Islam to Muslims and Non-Muslims is considered a Sadaqah Jariyah. Also; 

• Sharing the Islamic Knowledge with others.
• Teaching someone to read the Holy Qur’an.
• Teaching someone about Prayers and their times.

With each of your deeds or advice about Islam that a person follows because of you and forwards it to other people, you are getting rewards from Allah.

Building a Water Well

Building a well is considered Sadaqah Jariyah due to the sustainability it creates for generations to come.

Building a Mosque, School, or Hospital

Sadaqah Jariyah is the ongoing benefit for the receivers. Muslims who donate to contribute towards building construction like; Mosques, hospitals, schools, and even orphanages, have a tremendous Thawab from Allah. 

When you donate for building such constructions, this invaluable act of Sadaqah which impacts countless lives, your rewards will continue for as long as others benefit from your generosity. 

Sadaqah al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is a universal Muslim obligation, meaning every Muslim is liable for its payment. It is due to “every Muslim, free or bondsman, male or female, young or old, poor or rich” (Bukhari).

Every Muslim who has “Nisab”, or who possesses food in excess of their needs must pay Zakat al -Fitr.

Approximately;

• It consists of (5.5) pounds of rice, wheat, dates, or similar food items. 
• An estimated amount of £5/US$15 per family member. 

The head of the household can also pay Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of their dependants, such as; 

• Children.
• Servants.
• Wives.
• And any dependent relatives and it must be paid before Eid prayers.  

Benefits of Sadaqah

• Sadaqah Helps Cure Illness and Averts Death. 
• Sadaqah Eases Hardships and Removes Calamities. 
• Sadaqa is an Investment in This Life and Hereafter. 
• Sadaqa Expiates Sins. 
• Sadaqah is One of the Gates of Jannah. 
• Sadaqa Will be your Shade on the Day of Judgement. 
• Sadaqah Purifies the Nafs.

Right Time and Best Time for Sadaqah Giving

Sadaqah is an act of kindness and generosity. Any time you give Sadaqah is the right time. Nevertheless, if you want to know what is the best time for giving Sadaqah, well, it is definitely during Ramadan, simply because every good deed you do during this Holy Month will your Thawab be multiplied 

Giving and Donating Sadaqah

We give Sadaqa to please Allah. It is a voluntary charitable act towards others, whether through generosity, love, compassion, or faith. These acts are not necessarily physical or monetary. Simple good deeds such as a smile, or a helping hand, are seen as acts of Sadaqa. Indeed, it purifies the Nafs and unites the Ummah.

Charity in Islam – The Different Types

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