Sadaqah is mentioned several times in the Qur’an. In surah two, verse thirty-three Allah says: “And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship)”. From the Qur’an we learn that giving is simply worth “the reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (2:274)
The word ‘sadaqah’ literally means ‘righteousness’ in Arabic. On a deeper level, it refers to a righteous act or an act of compassion performed without expecting 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 the good deeds for mercy on the Judgement day.
The value of sadaqah stems from the intention of the person performing it. Sadaqah can both shield a person from hellfire and also to profit them in this life. Since sadaqah entails pursuing the path of righteousness, Allah will protect his pious servants from misfortune and illness.
The Difference of Zakat and Sadaqah
Zakat and Sadaqah refer to charitable giving, there is one significant difference between the two. Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a fixed-amount charity that all Muslims who meet certain financial conditions must give once a year. Sadaqah, on the other hand, is a completely selfless and voluntary act of kindness or charity performed to please Allah. It can be given at any time of year.
Sadaqah is an important element of society, especially when it comes to helping those who are less fortunate. It contributes to the alleviation of poverty, hunger, and other worldwide social and economic challenges that affect individuals and communities. Sadaqah also promotes social cohesion and fosters relationships between members of society by encouraging them to aid and support one another. Furthermore, it raises awareness of the virtues of giving, generosity, and kindness to others, all of which are key qualities in Islam.
Another form of giving Sadaqah can be by giving a Quran. It can provide continuous benefits for us in the afterlife, even after our death, as long as the Quran and the knowledge are still practiced and recited.