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In Islam, Sadaqah offers diverse ways to help others, showcasing kindness and generosity.
In His infinite mercy, Allah (SWT) has opened many doors for us to earn rewards. Every sincere act done for His sake—no matter how small—becomes a step toward His pleasure.
Some of the simplest yet powerful acts of Sadaqah include:
While these daily acts of charity are essential for earning Allah's pleasure, there are even more profound and rewarding types of Sadaqah that extend beyond our routine actions.
From Sadaqah Jariyah, which brings continuous blessings, to Sadaqah Wajibah, the obligatory charity, each type carries a unique value and purpose in improving lives and pleasing Allah.
Let’s dive into the details of the different types of Sadaqah.
Sadaqah Nafillah is an optional act of charity and is not mandatory. It involves giving alms to reduce the difficulties faced by the needy and donating any permissible (Halal) items to anyone in need.
It does not need to be given to specific categories to be rewarding, nor does it have to be given exclusively to Muslims.
It is more rewarding if given to poor Muslims. This type of charity can also be included in a will, but only up to one-third of the deceased person's estate.
Let’s find out the further types of Sadaqah Nafillah:
Waqf is a type of charity in which you set aside something valuable for a special purpose, either during your life or in your will. Once done, it belongs to Allah and is used for specific causes like helping the poor, orphans, students, or people in a certain area.
Unlike regular gifts, Waqf doesn't give ownership to individuals or organizations, but the benefits go to those in need. Trustees are responsible for managing Waqf, similar to how trusts are handled today.
Aqiqah is a traditional Islamic type of charity where you sacrifice an animal to thank Allah (SWT) for the birth of a child. The meat is then shared with others, especially the less fortunate and close family members.
Lillah means 'for God.' It's any kind of charity given purely out of goodwill for Allah's sake.
For example, many charitable organizations collect Lillah to fund relief aid, wells, hospitals, etc. People give these contributions solely to please Allah (SWT).
Lillah doesn't have to be directed toward a specific individual. It can instead be donated to institutions like hospitals, schools, or orphanages, such as Pakistan Sweet Home.
The term "Sadaqah Wajibah" signifies a mandatory form of charity. These charitable acts must be carried out, although they might not be obligatory for every Muslim. Instead, their necessity depends on individual actions within the faith.
Let’s explore the further types of Sadaqah Wajibah:
Every able Muslim is obligated to pay Sadaqatul Fitr, also known as the Zakat al Fitr. To be eligible, one must be a Muslim, an adult of sound mind, and financially capable.
It can be given in the form of wheat or barley or an equivalent amount in monetary value, typically just a few pounds. Muslims must pay it before the Eid Salah to ensure the recipients receive it in time for Eid day.
Nadhr refers to a self-imposed obligation, often undertaken as a gesture of gratitude, which may involve acts like Sadaqah. If one pledges to give charity in this manner, it becomes Sadaqah Wajibah. Failure to fulfill such an oath may incur Kaffarah, leading to potential sinfulness.
Fidya serves as compensation for missed Salah or Sawm (Fast of Ramadan) due to circumstances like terminal illness or death. It can also apply to minor errors committed during Hajj. The standard amount for each missed obligation is 1.6kg of wheat or its equivalent value, similar to Sadaqatul-Fitr.
Generally, Fidya is considered Sadaqah Wajibah. There is also the option of offering Sadaqah Nafilah, which benefits both the giver and the deceased.
وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ
“For those who can do it (With hardship), is a compensation, the feeding of one that is indigent.”
[Surah Baqarah: 184]
Kaffarah, a significant form of compensation akin to Fidya, is obligatory Sadaqah (Wajibah). It applies in scenarios such as intentional fasting violations or oath breaches, with two distinct types:
This refers to intentionally breaking a fast. The person must either fast for 60 days in a row or provide food for 60 needy people. If unable to feed 60 people in one day, the individual may distribute the sustenance over 60 days.
However, distributing the entire amount to one person in a single day does not fulfill the obligation.
This form of Kaffarah applies to oath violations. It offers the option to either free a slave (no longer applicable) or provide sustenance for 10 needy individuals, each receiving two meals or clothing. Failure to do so requires fasting for three consecutive days.
This refers to Qurbani, an obligatory act for all Muslims who can perform it. Certain conditions must be met for the animal to be eligible for slaughter. It must be over one year old, of a specific type, and slaughtered in a halal manner in the name of Allah (SWT).
The meat is then divided into three parts: one for the person performing the act, one for their family, and one for the poor.
Sadaqah Jariyah, originating from Arabic, means "flowing" (Jariyah) "charity" (Sadaqah). It signifies charitable contributions made during one's lifetime.
These contributions persistently benefit designated recipients, thereby continuing to yield divine rewards for the giver even after their passing.
Sadaqah Jariyah is also known as "ongoing charity," "perpetual charity," or "running charity." The term "ever-flowing charity" underscores its unique ability to impact both recipients and donors long after the donor's demise.
Following are the ways one can give Sadaqah Jariyah and can earn ongoing benefits of charity:
1. Building a Mosque: Constructing a mosque offers a space for Muslims to worship, seek knowledge, and build community, benefiting generations to come.
2. Donating a Mushaf of the Quran: Giving a copy of the Quran ensures ongoing rewards, as you receive a share of the blessings each time it is read.
3. Digging Wells or Providing Water Sources: Providing access to clean drinking water through wells or water infrastructure fulfills a fundamental human need for generations.
4. Planting Trees or Gardens: Planting trees that provide shade, oxygen, and fruits or establishing community gardens that offer sustenance. These are enduring charitable acts that support both the environment and future generations.
5. Publishing Beneficial Knowledge: Producing and distributing books, articles, or digital content with valuable knowledge, especially Islamic teachings, serves as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah.
6. Supporting a Child, Teacher, or Orphan: Offering sustained assistance to individuals ensures an ongoing stream of benefits and rewards.
You can increase your impact by helping or sponsoring orphans of Pakistan Sweet Home. Your support can provide them with essential resources, education, and a brighter future.
7. Providing shelter for people or animals: Building or supporting a safe space for the needy or animals earns lasting reward.
In conclusion, Sadaqah, in its various forms, provides us with countless opportunities to earn Allah's pleasure and create positive change in the world.
Whether it’s through the voluntary acts of Sadaqah Nafillah or fulfilling our obligatory duties. Sadaqah Wajibah and Sadaqah Jariyah make lasting contributions, each holding immense value in our journey.
By understanding and practicing these forms of charity, we can bring comfort, blessings, and continuous rewards not just for ourselves but for others as well.
The best form of Sadaqah is Sadaqah Jariyah—a continuous charity that benefits others even after you’ve passed away, such as building a well, school, or sharing beneficial knowledge.
The 2.5% charity refers to Zakat, a mandatory form of almsgiving in Islam where eligible Muslims give 2.5% of their accumulated wealth annually to the needy.
Lillah is a voluntary charity given purely for the sake of Allah, often directed toward Islamic causes. Sadaqah, on the other hand, includes any charitable act done out of compassion or faith, whether through money, kindness, or good deeds.
WRITTEN BY
Ali Raza (Charity and Philanthropy)
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
