What is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is the term used to describe a voluntary act of charity that is wide-reaching, for example, a form of monetary charity or an act of kindness that can be performed in any amount, at any time of the year.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the benefits of giving Sadaqah in several sayings:
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)
Therefore, any act of kindness or support extended to other beings (including animals) for the sake of Allah (SWT), can be considered a Sadaqah or charity.
Examples of Sadaqah
It can be everything from an act of kindness to a monetary donation. For example, Sadaqah can be a voluntary donation. It can be helping someone in need, giving a smile, or it can even be removing a harmful object from your path. Aqiqah, Fidyah, and Kaffarah are also examples of Sadaqah.
Some examples include:
- Donating money to someone in need
- Making food for others
- Teaching Qur’an
- Smiling at others
- Watering a plant
- Taking care of an animal
- Removing something harmful from someone’s path
In a famous Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA):
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that.’” (Al-Bukhari)