Charity (Sadaqah) and Zakat: Their Differences, Rewards, and Types
Charity (Sadaqah) and Zakat are two forms of financial and social giving in Islam. While they share the common goal of aiding those in need, they differ in several important aspects. This article explores the differences between them, their rewards, and their various types, with a focus on the role of diverse forms of charity such as money, knowledge, and health. It also highlights how certain actions can be considered ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) that continues to benefit even after a person’s death.
The Difference Between Sadaqah and Zakat
Zakat is a mandatory religious obligation for every Muslim who possesses wealth above a certain threshold (Nisab) and has held it for a lunar year (Hawl). Zakat is imposed at a rate of 2.5% on assets such as money, gold, trade goods, crops, and other specified types of wealth according to Sharia law. The primary objective of Zakat is to achieve social justice by redistributing wealth to the poor and needy, thereby improving their circumstances. On the other hand, Sadaqah is a voluntary act of giving that is not obligatory. Linguistically, Sadaqah means giving, and in Islamic terminology, it refers to any act a Muslim performs out of sincere intention for the sake of Allah. Sadaqah encompasses a wide range of charitable acts, and numerous Hadiths highlight its immense reward and positive impact on both individual and community life. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” Any Muslim can offer Sadaqah at any time and in any amount, whether it be money or other forms of assistance. Sadaqah reflects a person’s commitment to helping others regardless of the Nisab or Hawl requirements. It is considered a means to strengthen cooperation and affection among community members.The Reward of Sadaqah
Sadaqah holds great reward in Islam. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍ مِائَةُ حَبَّةٍ وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ” (البقرة: 261) “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 is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 261) This verse indicates that Sadaqah can multiply exponentially in reward, serving as a means to attain Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “Charity extinguishes the anger of the Lord.”Types of Sadaqah
Sadaqah in Islam is diverse and not limited to monetary contributions. It includes anything that benefits others. The various types of Sadaqah include:- Monetary Sadaqah: This involves giving money to the poor and needy, whether in cash or through other forms of assistance such as food and clothing.
- Knowledge Sadaqah (Sadaqah of Knowledge): Teaching and spreading knowledge are considered ongoing forms of Sadaqah. A person who contributes to educating others continues to earn rewards as long as the knowledge benefits others, even after their death.
- Health Sadaqah (Sadaqah of Health): Providing healthcare, assisting the sick, and maintaining public health are important forms of Sadaqah. Additionally, environmental conservation and providing clean drinking water are considered acts of charity related to health.
- Ongoing Sadaqah (Sadaqah Jariyah): These are charitable acts that continue to provide benefits and rewards after the donor’s death. Examples include building mosques, digging wells, planting trees, and teaching or memorizing the Quran. A person who teaches others the Quran leaves a lasting legacy, as their reward continues to increase every time the Quran they taught is recited.
