Ayaan had always believed he understood charity. He had seen his parents donate to the mosque, give money to beggars, and help neighbours in need. To him, the charity was simple, you give, and someone benefits.
But one day, at school, Ayaan overheard his teacher talking about Lillah. The word sounded familiar, but he wasn’t sure what it meant. He had always known about Sadaqah, but was Lillah? Is it just another name for the same thing? What’s the difference between Sadaqah and Lillah?
Curious, he decided to ask the one person who always had the answers, his grandmother.
That evening, as she sat on the veranda with her cup of tea, Ayaan joined her.
“Granny,” he began hesitantly, “I heard my teacher mention Lillah today. I know about Sadaqah, but… what’s Lillah?”
His grandmother’s eyes twinkled as she set her cup down. “Ah, son, that is a very good question.” She gestured for him to sit beside her. “Let me explain it to you.”
Difference between Sadaqah and Lillah: Two Acts of Kindness
“There were once two friends, Yusuf and Kareem. One day, as they walked through the village, Yusuf saw a tired old man struggling to carry a heavy sack of flour. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, lifted the sack, and walked with the man to his home.
The old man smiled and said, ‘May Allah bless you, son.’ Yusuf felt warmth in his heart.
That was Sadaqah, an act of kindness, given freely, without expecting anything in return. And do you know what, Ayaan? Sadaqah doesn’t always need money. A kind word, a smile, even helping someone cross the road, it’s all Sadaqah.”
She paused and added, “The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Every act of goodness is charity. Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity. Commanding good and forbidding evil is charity. Giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity. Removing a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is charity. Pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity.“ (Tirmidhi)
Ayaan’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “I thought charity always involved money.”
His grandmother shook her head. “Not at all. Now, listen to what Kareem did.
That same day, Kareem visited the village madrasa. He had been saving money for a long time, and he handed it to the teacher. ‘Please use this for the students,’ he said. ‘Buy them books, fix the leaking roof, or help those who can’t afford the fees.’
That was Lillah, a gift given purely for the sake of Allah, meant to improve the lives of others, usually through an institution. Unlike Sadaqah, Lillah is always a monetary donation.”
“This can include donating to maintain a madrassa, giving money to build or fix a masjid, or
helping to fund the digging of water wells or installing water pumps in areas that need clean water.
Ayaan leaned forward. “So, all acts of Lillah can be Sadaqah, but not all acts of Sadaqah can be Lillah?”
His grandmother beamed. “Exactly! Sadaqah is kindness in any form: money, actions, even words. But Lillah is always financial and meant for a larger cause.”
Sadaqah and Lillah: The Blessings of Giving
His grandmother smiled as she looked at Ayaan. “You see, my dear, Sadaqah and Lillah benefit the community and bring immense benefits in this world and the hereafter to the giver.”
Ayaan’s eyes widened. “Really? Like what?”
She chuckled. “Let me tell you just one.”
She recited the words of the Prophet (PBUH): “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi)
“When you give Sadaqah, Ayaan, it protects you. It can save you from hardships, illnesses, and difficulties. Imagine, a small act of kindness today could prevent a big problem tomorrow.”
Ayaan nodded, deep in thought. “That means when I give, I’m not just helping others, I’m protecting myself too.”
Ayaan’s heart swelled with a new understanding.
Benefits of Sadaqah and Lillah
Giving Sadaqah and Lillah is not just about helping others, it also brings countless rewards to your life. These acts of charity protect you from hardships, increase blessings in your wealth, and bring peace to your heart.
While Sadaqah can be any act of kindness, Lillah creates a lasting impact by supporting institutions that benefit communities for years to come.
Here are some key benefits of Sadaqah and Lillah:
Benefits of Sadaqah
- Protects you from calamities.
- Brings blessings and increases wealth.
- Purifies the heart and removes selfishness.
- Strengthens your faith and connection with Allah.
- Wipes away sins and earns Allah’s forgiveness.
- Provides shade on the Day of Judgment.
- Brings peace and contentment to your heart.
Benefits of Lillah
- Help people in devastating circumstances such as a natural disaster, pandemic, etc.
- Strengthens the community by supporting institutions.
- Increases blessings in your wealth.
- Elevates your status in the hereafter.
- Helps spread knowledge and education.
- Secures long-term benefits for society.
- Becomes a lasting investment for your akhirah.
That night, as Ayaan lay in bed, he felt different. He finally understood the beauty of Sadaqah and Lillah. He smiled to himself. Tomorrow, he would find a way to give, not because he had to, but because he now knew:
Every act of kindness counts.
If you’re ready to make a difference, you can also donate through Eternal Aid. We ensure your donations reach those who truly need them, making a lasting impact on their lives.