Islam is based on inculcating positive values in life, such as hope, love, peace, unity, honesty, and faith in Allah. Sadaqah is among these values which reflects on the best of all human characteristics – generosity, benevolence, and kindness. As per Sadaqah meaning, the act of charity is a clear proof of one’s eeman (faith). Scholars suggest giving Sadaqah is one of the best ways to gain Allah’s blessings. In addition, the act of charity also provides a sense of inner peace and happiness.
Sadaqah meaning
The word ‘sadaqah’ literally means ‘righteousness’. In Islam, it refers to a virtuous deed or an act of kindness done without the expectation of getting anything in return. This voluntary charitable act does not necessarily have to be monetary aid. It can also be as simple as greeting someone with a smile or lending someone a helping hand. Sadaqah is a sign of sincere faith in the angels of Allah counting good deeds for mercy on the Judgement day.
Power of Sadaqah
Being regarded as one of the most rewarding act, the power of Sadaqah comes from the intention of person performing it. Sadaqah can protect one from hellfire and benefit a person in this life. As per Sadaqah meaning, it is following the path of righteousness; hence, Allah protects his righteous subjects from misfortune and illness.
How to give Sadaqah for illness
While Sadaqah can be given in many forms, the best charity for illness is making dua for the ill person. Another form of Sadaqah that can be given to cure illness is sacrificing animals and donating the meat in the poor and needy. One can also give monetary aid to the community for treating one with blessings.
Difference between Zakat and Sadaqah
While both zakat and Sadaqah refer to the act of charity, there is one key difference between the two. Counted amongst the five pillars of Islam, zakat is a compulsory donation of a fixed amount that all who meet specific financial requirements must donate once every year. Sadaqah, on the other hand, is an entirely voluntary act of kindness or charity done to please Allah. It can be done in any form and at any time of the year.
Suggested Read: What Is Zakat? – Meaning, Importance, Who Is Eligible, And Facts
Types of Sadaqah
According to Sadaqah meaning, there are several types of charity in Islam that are listed below:
1. Offering dua
Giving Sadaqah can be as simple as making dua for someone, regardless of whether the person is praying for a loved one or a stranger in need.
2. Passing on knowledge
Spreading knowledge amongst the community or those who can’t afford to get it from somewhere else is also a form of Sadaqah.
3. Giving advice
Sadaqah can be given in the form of sage and reasonable advice to someone younger than the advisor.
4. A warm smile
A genuine smile can make up for a bad day at work or provide zeal to get through a tiring day. Therefore, smiling at a meeting, or while greeting and talking to others is also a type of Sadaqah.
5. Providing aid
A help with no hidden motives is the most generous gift anyone can give; hence is considered a form of charity.
6. Giving time
Time is among the most precious things in the world. Therefore, another major form of Sadaqah is to take time out for parents and significant people in one’s lives.
7. Tarbiyyah
Tarbiyyah refers to nurturing one’s kids. Making sure that the kids are brought up with good manners and values is an essential type of Sadaqah.
8. Being patient
Patience is a virtue that is highly essential to deal with problems. Being patient with others and having faith in Allah is an act of charity.
9. Having a good influence
One of the most important forms of Sadaqah is to advise misguided people influencing them to walk on the path of Allah.
10. Resisting evil deeds
Not doing or participating in any evil deeds like killing or hurting a living thing is also a form of Sadaqah.
11. Talking softly
Arrogance and rudeness are two things that should always be avoided. Instead, one should always speak kind words in a gentle tone.
12. Granting forgiveness
It is considered Sadaqah to grant forgiveness to those who ask for it with a sincere heart.
13. Being respectful
One should always show respect to both elders and youngsters.
14. Being happy for other
Being a part of others’ happiness without feeling envy or jealousy is also a form of Sadaqah.
15. Visiting the sick
It is a type of Sadaqah to visit the sick and take care of those in need of attention.
16. Removing harmful things from the path
One should remove harmful things such as stones or fallen branches from the road to decrease the chances of accidents.
17. Guiding someone
Guiding a misguided person on the right path is one of the biggest types of charity in Islam.
Benefits and importance of Sadaqah
Sadaqah helps a person earn eeman. Whether the donation is monetary, materialistic, or spiritual, the act of charity gives happiness to both the giver and the receiver. Listed below are some of the significant benefits and importance of Sadaqah.
- Enhances the well-being of the people in the society and adds value to the community as a whole
- Helps meet the basic needs of the poorer members of the community and gives them a sense of assurity
- Lightens the burdens of those in debt or facing financial challenges
- Helps in the healing of various illnesses
- Cleanses a human’s heart of all the sins of greed, malice, and the obsessive desire for wealth
- Eliminates bad luck and increases wealth
- Guarantees heaven and helps in crossing the bridge of Siraat
- Assists in gaining Allah’s blessings and mercy
Who can give Sadaqah
As per Sadaqah meaning there are no specific rules or guidelines for giving Sadaqah or who deserves to receive it. Additionally, there are no financial requirements that need to be met to give Sadaqah. Therefore, anyone who has the means and is inclined to do so can give Sadaqah. Also, there is no limit or restriction on the form, and timing of donating Sadaqah.
Who deserves Sadaqah
Sadaqah or charity is given with the aim to help the community maintain a decent living standard and fulfill the basic requirements of the poor. A homeless individual, neighbor in need, a lost traveler and strangers are eligible to receive Sadaqah in different forms.
Sadaqah facts
Here are some of the interesting facts about Sadaqah:
- The term ‘sadaqah’ comes from from the Arabic word ‘sidq’, which means sincerity.
- The root of this word (‘sidq’) also means “to be sincere”, “to fulfil one’s promise”, or “to speak the truth”.
- The term ‘sadaqah’ and its plural ‘sadaqat’ occur thirteen times in the Quran.
- There are eight different categories of people who are entitled to receive Sadaqah.
- The 17 different types of Sadaqah divided into two categories – Sadaqah Nafilah and Sadaqah Wajibah.
Sadaqah hadith
There are several hadiths on charity some of which are:
1. “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.”
2. “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.”
3. “Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: for He loves not creatures ungrateful and sinner.”
4.“That which you give in usury for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah: but that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.”
5. “Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).”
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah Jariyah is a form of long-term charity which include paying the fees of a poor child, sponsoring for the orphan child, or planting trees and crops. Sadaqah Jariyah for parents and Sadaqah Jariyah for the deceased and helps a person gain the benefits from this life and enjoy it in the next.
“Surely the men who give sadaqah and the women who give sadaqah and have advanced a good loan to Allah (SWT); for them it will be multiplied and for them there is a noble reward.” – The Holy Qur’an (57:18)
Sadaqah jariyah for deceased parents
The best form of giving a Sadaqah jariyah for parents or deceased parents is to provide an ongoing charity. One can help in building of a mosque that is less on funds and facilities. Further, one can offer assistance in the education and living of children by contributing to building of an orphanage or school. One can also plant trees or assist in providing clean supply of water.
Suggested Read: Life After Death In Islam: The Concept And The 14 Stages Of Afterlife
Sadaqah is an important part of every Muslim’s life and is one of the best ways to seek blessing from Allah and those in need. Moreover, giving Sadaqah has many social and spiritual benefits. Not only does it help in the betterment of the community and provides a person with the sense of inner peace.
Sadaqah Meaning FAQs
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah Jariyah refers to the long-term charity like sponsoring the education of an orphan to help them meet their needs all their life.
Is there a right or a wrong time to give Sadaqah?
No, Sadaqah can be given at any time of the year, regardless of season or special occasion. Only make sure the contribution is not associated with any self-serving expectations.
Is it advisable to keep count of the Sadaqah given?
No, one should not keep track of or count the amount of Sadaqah they have given. One should just give the donation and forget about it.
Is there anything that should be remembered by giving Sadaqah?
As per Sadaqah meaning, etiquettes that should be followed are Sadaqah should be from the giver loved possessions, the intentions behind giving Sadaqah should be pure, it is advisable to offer Sadaqah in secret, and Sadaqah should be given from the legitimate property and possessions.
Did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) give Sadaqah?
Yes, the Prophet (PBUH) used to give Sadaqah throughout the year but increased it during the holy month of Ramadan.
Can sadaqah be given to mosques?
Yes, Sadaqah can be given to mosques.
