What is Sadaqah and How Different it is from Zakat?
The word Sadaqah is derived from the Arabic word Sadq (truth). All actions of righteousness in Islam is considered as Sadaqah. The literal meaning of Sadaqah is to spend from his/her possessions and abilities in the way of Allah s.w.t. Sadaqah is the necessary part of a Muslim’s faith through which he/she seeks the Pleasure of Allah by helping out the poor and others that are in a state of need.
Zakat is one of five fundamental concepts (pillars)in Islam. This makes it a compulsory act, and therefore, all Muslims must give Zakat, provided they meet certain conditions, while Sadaqah is an intended and continuous act of uprightness, which everyone has to carry out no matter what their social status is.
Types of Sadaqah
Benefits of Sadaqah
Best Investment with Allah S.W.T
“Who is it that would loan Allah s.w.t a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah s.w.t who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.” [Quran, 2: 245]
In the above-mentioned ayah, it is understood that Allah s.w.t regards Sadaqah (as Zakat here) as a loan that a Muslim gives to Him, Who will surely multiply the effect of this credit given to Him by many folds.
Resulting In Huge Rewards
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah s.w.t is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” [Quran, 2: 261]
The reward for spending in the way of Allah s.w.t is so immense that it has been compared to planting a seed, which ultimately grows and results in getting hundreds of grains form it. It tells us that the one who donates, gets unimaginable number of rewards and blessings from Allah s.w.t for one act of Sadaqah.
Attaining Shade On The Day of Resurrection
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.”(Tirmidhi)
This Hadith indicates that a charitable act of an individual will soothe a believer with its shadow protecting it from blazing heat, when during the Judgment Day, the Sun on will be right above the heads of all.
Protection from Tragedies
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi)
Therefore, a continuous assistance given to the needy results in prevention of any unforeseeable misfortune or suffering that might occur in one’s life.
Never-Ending Rewards From Allah S.W.T
“When a person dies, his works end except for three: ongoing charity, knowledge that is benefited from, and a righteous child who prays for him.” (Muslim)
The above mentioned Hadith clearly indicates that continuous helping of deprived people with financial and other support is such a virtuous deed that a person keeps on reaping benefits from it even after his/her death.
Conclusion
Sadaqah is the necessary constituent of a believer’s faith through which a Muslim seeks the Pleasure of Allah s.w.t by helping out the poor and others that are in a state of need. Sadaqah is far more than just spending from a proportion of wealth. It is also not limited to a certain person; rather it is compulsory for every believer to carry out this form of charity as it covers all kinds of decent actions. The act of Sadaqah is not restricted to Zakat only, for that is only a part of it. Sadaqah is actually an ongoing process that includes every action of goodness and uprightness, which ultimately results in attaining the Pleasure of Allah s.w.t and earning great rewards and blessings from Him.