Sadaqah
Sadaqah, and Sadaqah Jariyah, are voluntary selfless acts carried out by anyone for the benefit of everyone.
The donations you make with the intention of Sadaqah give the most vulnerable of our society – orphans and widows – purpose and reason to live. To date, the Sadaqah contributions we have received have gone towards supporting thousands of families with monthly food supplies and providing thousands of our orphans with a sponsor. Your generosity in giving Sadaqah has even enabled our teams to help unsponsored children and their families by mending their homes, ensuring communities have access to necessary medical services including sight-restoration surgeries to enable independent living.
What is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is the term used to describe an act of kindness that is given to someone without the expectation of anything in return. It can be as simple as sharing a smile with a stranger or offering answers to someone seeking information. Or provide longer-term support such as donating to a homeless person you pass on the street or giving time to a friend or family member that needs support.
The Prophet (ﷺ) stated in a hadîth collected by Imām Muslim:
لا تحقرن من المعروف شيئاً، ولو أن تلقى أخاك بوجه طلق (رواه مسلم)
“Let not any of you belittle or look down upon a good deed, even if it be that you smile in the face of your brother.” (Muslim)
What is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah is any act of kindness given without the expectation of anything in return; Sadaqah Jariyah is a long-term kindness, a gesture that continues to give after you have gone. This often includes funding the construction of a water well or water plant, planting resourceful trees such as fruits and olives or supporting the construction of a school or medical centre.
What does Sadaqah Jariyah mean?
The literal translation of Sadaqah is ‘righteousness’ but in the modern-day context, it has come to mean ‘voluntary charity’. While Sadaqah Jariyah is often referred to as ‘alms’, it is recognised as meaning a voluntary charity that gives long-term.
What is the difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah is short-term and Sadaqah Jariyah is long-term. For example, giving an orphaned child a few pennies may satisfy their hunger for one night, but sponsoring an orphan will satisfy them for months ahead and help them in-turn support their local communities. Further Sadaqah Jariyah ideas for inspiration include teaching or sharing knowledge, sharing the ways of Islam and funding access to education.
Are Sadaqah and Zakat the same thing?
No, they are quite different. So what is the difference between Sadaqah and Zakat? Zakat, a compulsory donation, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and must be given once a year once certain financial requirements are met. Sadaqah is a completely voluntary donation or kind gesture that is made for the pleasure of Allah SWT.
Who can give Sadaqah and who can Sadaqah be given to?
There are no rules when it comes to giving Sadaqah and who deserves Sadaqah. You can give what you feel comfortable giving to whoever you think deserves Sadaqah, whether it is sharing a smile, providing a meal or sharing knowledge and insights.
Is there a right time to give Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is a non-compulsory gesture that is made with pure intentions and can be made at any time of the year, regardless of special holidays or seasons. This applies to both Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah. The important part of making a contribution is to give from the heart with no expectation for anything in return.
What are the benefits of giving Sadaqah?
Charity is a core part of Islam and Sadaqah supports this by encouraging others to give for the sake of giving, whether it’s volunteering your time or offering monetary donations. The act of charity is proven to improve happiness in both the giver and the receiver and those that give Sadaqah are guaranteed to receive a reward in the Hereafter. Giving to charity and supporting the poor are mentioned several times in the Holy Qur’an and the benefits reaped from engaging in Sadaqah are the same.
‘The likeness of (the ones) who expend their riches in the way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain that grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. And Allah gives manifold to whomever He decides; and Allah is Ever-Embracing, Ever-Knowing.’ – Holy Quran, surat Al-Baqarah [2:261]
With every act of kindness we make, Allah’s mercy on us grows and by partaking in Sadaqah, we can ensure reward in the Hereafter.
How does Sadaqah help orphans?
Orphans have no home, no food, and no family to defend them. They are weak and helpless and in desperate need of nurturing. Without these basic necessities in life, they are vulnerable and often end up working as slaves, being abused and exploited, or die of malnutrition and disease.
When you give Sadaqah, you help us to improve their lives and give them a purpose to live. From our Monthly Food Parcels to our Sponsorship Programmes that provide continuous support. Your Sadaqah contributions ensure we can provide our orphans access to both education and life-improving medical care, setting them up for a stronger, brighter future. Everything we do is to protect and benefit orphans everywhere.
By providing orphans with the chance to be children in a loving environment and giving them hope and guidance, we can develop compassionate, dedicated adults who give back to their local communities and help strengthen society.
How can I give Sadaqah to an Orphan?
There are many ways you can give your Sadaqah to an orphan, donate now or click on any of our programmes below to find out more and donate.
Sadaqah or Sadaqah Jariyah can be a part of your everyday life, it could be a few kind words you share with someone or the food you share with the poor. Every good deed is charity.
Share your Sadaqah with everyone and spread the goodness. #OINsadaqah
If you have any questions about how to donate Sadaqah online or giving Sadaqah, you can contact our team anytime online or by calling