What does Islam teach us about Sadaqah, and why is it so important? How can giving charity not only help others but also benefit you in this life and the Hereafter?
From small acts of kindness to the grand rewards promised by Allah, Sadaqah holds a special place in Islamic teachings. In this article, we’ll explore some Hadiths about charity in Islam to understand its importance. Are you ready to dive in?
Sadaqah Explained
Sadaqah comes from the Arabic root meaning “sincerity” and refers to voluntary charity in Islam. It’s given purely to please Allah (SWT).
Unlike Zakat, which is a must, Sadaqah is something you choose to do, and it can take many forms. It could be money, food, or even small acts like offering a smile or saying kind words.
Sadaqah is really important in Islam. It helps purify your soul and fights against becoming too attached to material things.
It also helps reduce inequality by supporting those in need, making our community stronger and more compassionate. Allah promises great rewards for those who give Sadaqah, both in this life and in the Hereafter.
What do hadiths say about sadaqah? How important is it? Let’s explore.
Hadiths About Sadaqah in Islam
Below are some of the hadiths about sadaqah in Islam.
The Broad Spectrum of Sadaqah: Everyday Acts of Kindness
“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity, and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)
This hadith indicates the types of sadaqah. It’s not limited to giving money. It’s about the small, meaningful things you do every day.
Helping others, saying kind words, and even removing something harmful from the road are all acts of charity. Kindness, justice, and service should be part of our everyday lives.
The Urgency of Charity: A Shield Against Calamity
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity” (Tirmidhi).
This hadith reminds us how important it is to give charity quickly. It’s not just about fulfilling a religious duty—it’s also a way to protect yourself from hardships and misfortunes.
When you give Sadaqah, you open the door to Allah’s mercy and blessings. It helps build a sense of kindness and support in the community, making everyone stronger and more resilient in tough times.
Charity does not decrease wealth
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Charity does not decrease wealth.” This is a powerful reminder that giving Sadaqah doesn’t make you lose anything. Instead, it’s like an investment—not in money, but in your spiritual growth and the well-being of your community.
He also said, “No one forgives another but that Allah increases his honour. And no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah but that Allah raises his status.” These words show that acts of kindness and forgiveness don’t just help others—they also bring you closer to Allah and raise your own standing.
Giving Sadaqah on behalf of the deceased
If your loved ones have passed away, you can still benefit them by giving Sadaqah on their behalf. This beautiful act allows the reward of charity to reach them in the hereafter. It’s a way to honour their memory and continue earning blessings for them even after they are gone.
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas, a man said: Messenger of Allah, my mother has died; will it benefit her if I give sadaqah on her behalf? The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Yes. He said: I have a garden, and I call you to witness that I have given it as sadaqah on her behalf. [Sunan Abi Dawud].
Sadaqah extinguishes our sins just like water extinguishes fire
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained this in a hadith narrated by Ka’b bin Ujrah, “Salat is clear proof, and Sawm (fasting) is an impregnable shield, and Sadaqah (charity) extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi].
Sadaqah is a powerful way to erase sins. Just like how water puts out a fire, giving charity can clean your heart and reduce the effects of mistakes you’ve made. It’s a way to make up for wrongdoings and seek forgiveness, helping you grow spiritually.
Those who give Sadaqah so secretly will be among those shaded by Allah on the Day of Judgment
When you give secretly, Allah sees it and values it highly. The reward for these hidden acts of kindness is great, and on the Day of Judgment, Allah will protect and reward those who give in this way.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seven (people) will be shaded by Allah by His Shade on the Day of Resurrection when there will be no shade except His Shade. (They will be), a just ruler, a young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, a man who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears, a man whose heart is attached to mosques (offers his compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque), two men who love each other for the sake of Allah, a man who is called by a charming lady of noble birth to commit illegal sexual intercourse with her, and he says, ‘I am afraid of Allah,’ and (finally), a man who gives in charity so secretly that his left-hand does not know what his right hand has given.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Baab as-Sadaqah: The door of charity
In Islam, one of the most cherished goals is to enter Jannah, and those who sincerely believe in Allah’s oneness and follow His teachings will be granted entry through various gates of Paradise.
Among the most honoured doors is Baab as-Sadaqah (the door of charity), which is reserved for those who regularly give in the path of Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Anybody who spends a pair of something in the cause of Allah will be called from all the gates of Paradise, ‘O Allah’s slave! This is good.’ He who is amongst those who pray will be called from the gate of the prayer (in Paradise), and he who is from the people of Jihad will be called from the gate of Jihad, and he who is from those who give in charity will be called from the gate of charity, and he who is amongst those who observe fast will be called from the gate of fasting, the gate of Raiyan.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Sadaqah Jariyah
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When a man dies, all his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Muslim)
Sadaqah Jariyah means ongoing charity that benefits others even after you pass away. Unlike one-time charity, it keeps rewarding you as long as it helps people. Building a mosque, planting trees, or supporting education are great examples.
Hadiths About Sadaqah: Summary
In Islam, Sadaqah is a powerful act of charity that extends far beyond just giving money. It can be any act of kindness, from helping others to saying a kind word. Giving Sadaqah not only benefits those in need but also purifies the giver’s soul and brings them closer to Allah.
It serves as a shield against calamities, erases sins, and opens the doors to Jannah. Whether done secretly or publicly, Sadaqah holds immense rewards in this life and the Hereafter.
By making Sadaqah a regular part of life, Muslims can foster compassion, justice, and spiritual growth.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Sadaqah and Zakat?
Sadaqah is a voluntary charity given at any time and in any amount, while Zakat is obligatory and calculated as a fixed percentage of one’s wealth.
2. Can Sadaqah be given in non-monetary forms?
Yes, Sadaqah can include various forms such as helping others, providing food, sharing knowledge, or even a kind word. Any act of kindness counts.
3. Is there a specific time for giving Sadaqah?
No, there are no specific times to give sadaqah. You can give charity anytime throughout the year.
