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Sadaqah: charity in Islam, its virtues and sadaqah jariyah
Sadaqah is voluntary charity given for the love of Allah. It purifies the heart, extinguishes sins and protects the giver.
Sadaqah in the Quran
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in every ear are a hundred grains.”
Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261The virtues of charity
| Virtue | Source |
|---|---|
| It extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire | At-Tirmidhi, 614 |
| The giver will be in the shade of their charity on the Day of Judgement | Ahmad, 17333 |
| Whoever gives in secret is in the shade of Allah | Sahih al-Bukhari, 1423 |
| It does not decrease wealth | Sahih Muslim, 2588 |
Everyday sadaqah ideas
- Offer a meal to a neighbour, feed a fasting person during Ramadan.
- Contribute to a well, a school or a mosque (sadaqah jariyah).
- Offer a Quran or a useful book.
- Plant a tree: “Whatever a person or an animal eats from it is a charity” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2320).
- Smile, say a good word, do someone a favour.
- Teach what you know, for example prayer or reading the Quran.
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You may be wondering…
What is the difference between sadaqah and zakat?
Zakat is obligatory, with a set rate and set recipients. Sadaqah is voluntary charity, with no fixed amount or time, which can be given at any moment and in any form.
What is sadaqah jariyah?
It is an ongoing charity whose reward continues after death: building a well, contributing to a mosque, offering a Quran, planting a tree, passing on beneficial knowledge. “When a person dies, their deeds end except three: an ongoing charity…” (Sahih Muslim, 1631).
Is a smile a sadaqah?
Yes: “Your smile to your brother is a charity” (At-Tirmidhi, 1956). Removing an obstacle from the road, saying a good word or helping someone onto their mount are also charities (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2989).
Can sadaqah be given for a deceased person?
Yes. A man told the Prophet ﷺ that his mother had died and asked whether charity in her name would benefit her; he said yes (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2756). See death in Islam.
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