Sadaqah refers to a voluntary act of charity or kindness to please Allah most high towards a person, animal, plant or any of Allah’s creation.
This can come in many forms, for example, to smile at someone. The beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessing be upon him) informed us this is an act of charity. One may ask why is smiling an act of charity? Simply because it brings joy to the heart of another person.
A higher form of Sadaqah is giving from the wealth Allah has given you and spending it on your neighbours, the poor, widows and orphans for food, shelter and clothing. As well as building wells, sponsoring students, and supporting hospitals.
Allah says in the Holy Quran: “You will not attain to piety until you spend of that which you love” (Surah Al’Imran, 92) & “O believers give of what We have provided for you” (Surah Al’Baqara, 254)
There is also another type of Sadaqah, Sadaqah Jariyah.
The main difference here is Jariyah, which means something which continues. An act of charity which continues to benefit people long term. As a result, we would still reap the immense rewards of this charitable act together with Allah’s most high pleasure long after we have left this temporary abode insha’Allah.
The Holy Prophet (peace & blessing be upon him) taught us the concept of Sadaqah Jariyya in the following narration:
“When a man dies all his Sayaban Welfare come to an end except three: Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.”
Why should we take part in sadaqah?
Do you want Allah’s pleasure, love and mercy?
Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“Verily those who give sadaqah, men and women, and lend Allah a goodly loan, it shall be increased manifold, and theirs shall be an honourable good reward” 57:18)
Do you want Allah to forgive you?
The holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire” (Tirmidhi)
Do you want Allah to take illnesses away from you and your loved ones and be under Allah’s most high protection? The holy Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) taught us :
Treat your sick ones with Sadaqah. Sadaqah repels all illnesses and calamities. (Bayaqi)
