Islam is a religion that revolves around charity, and there are obligatory and voluntary versions of this. While Muslims have no choice but to engage in compulsory charity, they are also encouraged to give to others on their own accord. This is down to the fact that everything a Muslim possesses is a temporary gift from Allah (SWT), which won’t be taken with them to the Hereafter. As a result, those who are fortunate enough to have wealth that exceeds their own needs are responsible for sharing this wealth with those who aren’t as blessed. It’s of the utmost importance that Muslims are aware of the suffering of others, as this is what encourages them to level the playing field. After all, everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
So, Zakat vs Sadaqah – what is the difference between the two?
Zakat is the third of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it an obligatory mode of charity. All adult Muslims of sound mind with wealth that meets the Nisab threshold are required to give Zakat. This is an annual payment that you’re required to pay once your wealth has exceeded the Nisab threshold for an entire Islamic year. Zakat equates to 2.5% of your wealth, and this doesn’t just refer to money in the bank. The following must also be considered:
Cash
Silver and gold
Business stock and assets
Investments
Pensions
Debts owed to you
Agricultural produce
Livestock
Additional properties/vehicles
Only certain groups of people are eligible to receive Zakat donations, including the following:
The poor
The needy
Zakat administrators
Zakat collectors
Travellers who don’t have enough money to finish their journey
On the other hand, Sadaqah is completely voluntary. In fact, Sadaqah doesn’t even have to be given in a monetary form, making it an accessible mode of charity that everyone can engage with. Sadaqah is simply an act of kindness that’s carried out without the expectation of anything in return. Therefore, it could be something as small as smiling at a stranger, or it could come in the form of helping someone who needs it, financially or otherwise.
Zakat is vitally important as it teaches Muslims not to be greedy and hoard wealth. It enforces the idea that wealth and worldly status mean nothing in the eyes of Allah (SWT); everyone is human, and everyone is deserving of blessings. As a result, those who are more fortunate than others are responsible for sharing this fortune in order to make for a fairer existence.
The Importance of Sadaqah
Sadaqah is of the utmost significance, as it teaches Muslims the importance of kindness. Kindness benefits everyone, including the person being kind, the person receiving the kindness, and the wider community. Similarly, the Quran states that Allah’s (SWT) mercy grows with every act of kindness.
Types of Sadaqah
Selfless good deeds can come in many forms, and this is essentially what Sadaqah is. Types of Sadaqah include the following:
There are differing opinions as to whether Zakat can be given as Sadaqah Jariyah. Some say that Zakat can’t be accepted as Sadaqah Jariyah, as Sadaqah Jariyah is a voluntary form of charity, whereas Zakat is obligatory. Similarly, Zakat can only be given to certain groups, and these may not apply to Sadaqah Jariyah. On the other hand, many charities have Sadaqah Jariyah projects that might be deemed suitable for Zakat.
The Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah
Ultimately, there is a significant difference between Zakat and Sadaqah. While they’re both forms of charity, Zakat is an obligation, whereas Sadaqah is voluntary. Meanwhile, Zakat must come in the form of a monetary donation as a set amount. Although Sadaqah can take the shape of a monetary donation, there are many other ways of giving Sadaqah. In spite of their differences, Zakat/Sadaqah work to benefit others, meaning they have a shared mission.
Give Zakat or Sadaqah with Charity Meals
Here at Charity Meals, we accept donations from both Zakat and Sadaqah. Whether you’re looking to fulfil your religious obligation or simply help someone in need, we can make sure your donation reaches those who need it most across the globe.
We operate across the UK, The Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kenya, Somalia, Türkiye, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, allowing us to reach those in the most desperate circumstances with your donations. So, please don’t hesitate to donate to Charity Meals, whether you’re paying your Zakat or giving Sadaqah.
