Sadaqah is voluntary charity in Islam — any act of giving, kindness or worship done sincerely for the sake of Allah ﷻ, with no fixed amount and no deadline. Unlike Zakat, which is an obligatory annual payment of 2.5% on eligible wealth, sadaqah is entirely voluntary and can be given at any time, in any amount, to anyone in need. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Every good deed is charity.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6020] — meaning that even a smile, a kind word or removing harm from the road counts as sadaqah.
This comprehensive guide answers every question Muslims commonly search for about sadaqah, sadaqah jariyah, the difference between zakat and sadaqah, lillah, sadaqah wajibah, who is eligible, how much to give, giving on behalf of others, and whether sadaqah can be given for illness or recovery. Every answer is backed by Qur’an and hadith where applicable.
What Is Sadaqah in Islam?
Sadaqah (صدقة) means “truthfulness” or “sincerity” in Arabic — and in Islamic law, it refers to any voluntary charitable act given from the heart for Allah’s ﷻ sake. The word comes from the root sidq, meaning truth, because sincere giving reflects the truth of a believer’s faith. Sadaqah is not limited to money — it encompasses every act of goodness, generosity and compassion.
The Prophet ﷺ defined sadaqah in its widest sense: “Every good deed is charity. It is a good deed that you greet your brother with a cheerful face, and that you pour from your bucket into your brother’s bucket.” [Sunan at-Tirmidhi 1956]. He ﷺ also said: “Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity; enjoining good and forbidding evil is charity; guiding a man in a land where he has lost his way is charity; helping a man with poor eyesight is charity; clearing a stone or thorn from the road is charity; and pouring water from your bucket into your brother’s bucket is charity.” [Sunan at-Tirmidhi 1876].
Is sadaqah and charity the same? In modern English, yes — sadaqah is most commonly translated as “charity.” However, in Islamic terminology, sadaqah carries a deeper meaning than the English word “charity” suggests. Sadaqah is an act of spiritual purification (tazkiyah), a shield against calamity, and a means of drawing closer to Allah ﷻ. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity (sadaqah) does not decrease wealth.” [Sahih Muslim 2588]. The Qur’an describes the righteous as those who “spend their wealth by night and by day, privately and publicly” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:274).
What Is Sadaqah Jariyah? — Ongoing Charity That Outlives You
Sadaqah Jariyah (صدقة جارية) means “flowing” or “continuous” charity — it is a form of giving that continues to benefit people long after the original act, and earns the giver ongoing reward even after death. The word jariyah comes from the Arabic root jar, meaning “to flow” or “to run.” It is charity that keeps on giving.
The Prophet ﷺ identified three things whose rewards continue after a person dies: “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except three: Sadaqah Jariyah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” [Sahih Muslim 1631]. Sadaqah Jariyah is the most powerful investment a Muslim can make in the akhirah (hereafter) because every person who benefits from your charity — today, tomorrow and for decades — adds to your scale of good deeds.
Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah include:
- Building or contributing to a water well that serves a community for 20–30 years
- Sponsoring an orphan’s education — the knowledge they gain continues to benefit them and others
- Building a masjid where people pray, learn and find community
- Planting a tree whose fruit feeds people and whose shade provides shelter
- Contributing to a medical clinic that treats the sick for years
- Printing and distributing Qur’ans or beneficial Islamic books
- Establishing a livelihood project that enables a family to become self-sufficient
How many types of sadaqah are there? Scholars generally categorise sadaqah into three main types: Sadaqah Nafilah (voluntary, any amount, any time), Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing, continuous reward), and Sadaqah Wajibah (obligatory — including Sadaqah al-Fitr, Fidyah and Kaffarah).
What Is the Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah?
Zakat and sadaqah are both forms of charity in Islam, but they differ fundamentally in their obligation, calculation, recipients and timing. This is one of the most commonly searched questions, and understanding the distinction is essential for every Muslim.
| Feature | Zakat | Sadaqah |
|---|---|---|
| Obligation | Fard (obligatory) — the third pillar of Islam | Nafilah (voluntary) — highly encouraged but not compulsory |
| Amount | Fixed at 2.5% of eligible wealth above the nisab threshold | No fixed amount — any amount, even a smile |
| Timing | Calculated annually based on the lunar year | Any time — no deadline |
| Eligibility threshold | Must have wealth above the nisab (~£3,500–£4,000) | No minimum — anyone can give, even the poor |
| Recipients | Strictly 8 categories defined in Qur’an 9:60 (fuqara, masakin, amilin, mu’allafatu qulubuhum, ar-riqab, al-gharimin, fi sabilillah, ibn as-sabil) | Anyone in need — including non-Muslims |
| Calculation | Must calculate on savings, gold, silver, business stock, rental income | No calculation required — give whatever you wish |
| Punishment for not paying | Sin — withholding Zakat is a major sin in Islam | No sin — it is voluntary |
What is sadaqah vs zakat in simple terms? Zakat is your religious duty — a mandatory tax on your wealth. Sadaqah is your generosity — a voluntary act of love for Allah ﷻ and His creation. Both purify wealth, but only Zakat has a fixed formula and obligation. The Qur’an says: “Take sadaqah from their wealth to purify them and cleanse them thereby.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103) — this verse primarily refers to Zakat, showing its purifying power.
What Is the Difference Between Sadaqah and Lillah?
Lillah (لله) means “for Allah” — it is a voluntary charitable donation given purely for the sake of Allah ﷻ, with no expectation of worldly return. While sadaqah and lillah are often used interchangeably, scholars distinguish them based on who can receive the funds.
What is sadaqah and lillah? The key difference lies in the recipients:
- Sadaqah can be given to anyone — Muslims or non-Muslims, poor or needy, individuals or families. It is the broadest form of voluntary charity.
- Lillah donations are specifically intended for Islamic purposes — building masjids, funding Islamic schools, supporting da’wah projects, and other causes that directly serve the Muslim community. Lillah cannot be given to non-Muslims in the same way sadaqah can.
What is sadaqah wajibah? This is a third category — obligatory charities that are binding but separate from the annual Zakat. Sadaqah Wajibah includes:
| Type | When It Applies | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sadaqah al-Fitr (Zakat al-Fitr) | End of Ramadan, before Eid prayer | ~£4–£5 per person (equivalent of 1 saa’ of food) | Wajib upon every Muslim |
| Fidyah | Missed fasts in Ramadan (with valid excuse) | One meal per missed fast (~£4–£5) | Obligatory if you cannot make up the fasts |
| Kaffarah | Broken fasts in Ramadan without valid excuse | Fasting 60 consecutive days, or feeding 60 poor people (~£300) | Obligatory expiation |
| Nadhr (Vow) | When you make a solemn vow to give charity | Whatever you vowed | Binding if you fulfil the vow |
Is Qurbani sadaqah? Qurbani (Udhiyyah) is classified as Sadaqah Wajibah — it is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially capable, adult and sane at the time of Eid al-Adha. It is not voluntary sadaqah (nafilah) but a binding act of worship that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s ﷺ sacrifice.
How Much Sadaqah Should I Give?
There is no fixed percentage or minimum amount for sadaqah in Islam — it is entirely voluntary and can be as little or as much as you can afford. This is one of the most important things to understand: unlike Zakat’s fixed 2.5%, sadaqah has no formula, no threshold and no obligation.
The Prophet ﷺ praised even the smallest acts: “Protect yourselves from the Fire even with half a date (in charity).” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1413]. He ﷺ also said: “O son of Adam, if you spend, I will spend on you.” — meaning that Allah ﷻ replaces whatever you give and increases it. [Sahih al-Bukhari 5063].
How much percentage of sadaqah in Islam? There is no mandated percentage. Some scholars recommend giving 1–10% of your income as voluntary sadaqah as a guideline — but this is a recommendation, not a ruling. What matters is sincerity and consistency. A £5 monthly donation given regularly is more beloved to Allah ﷻ than a £1,000 donation given once to show off.
How much is Sadaqah al-Fitr? Sadaqah al-Fitr (also called Zakat al-Fitr) is a fixed amount: approximately one saa’ of staple food per person, which scholars estimate at roughly £4–£5 per person in the UK (2026). It must be paid before Eid al-Adha prayer and is given to the poor so they can celebrate Eid with dignity.
How to Give Sadaqah?
How to give sadaqah in Islam depends on what you are giving and why — but the most important element is sincerity (ikhlas). Your intention must be purely for Allah ﷻ, not for recognition, praise or worldly return. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The generous one is near to Allah, near to Paradise, near to the people, and far from the Fire.” [Sunan at-Tirmidhi 1961].
How to give sadaqah in practical terms:
1. Online donation — The quickest and most transparent method. Through Your Impact Foundation, you can donate by card, bank transfer or direct debit. Every donation is tracked, receipted and eligible for UK Gift Aid (25% top-up).
2. Monthly giving — Set up a standing order for continuous reward. £35/month sponsors an orphan, £25/month provides food aid to a family. Monthly giving is the most sustainable way to give sadaqah.
3. Cash to those in need — Giving directly to the poor is encouraged, especially in your local community. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1429] — meaning the hand that gives is superior to the hand that receives.
4. Non-financial sadaqah — Smiling, feeding a neighbour, visiting the sick, teaching beneficial knowledge, reconciling between people and removing harm from the road are all forms of sadaqah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “You do not truly believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 13].
5. How to give sadaqah in Ramadan — Ramadan is the best time to give because rewards are multiplied. Increase your sadaqah during the last ten nights, give Zakat in Ramadan (if your Zakat year falls then), and dedicate your best sadaqah on Laylatul Qadr for maximum spiritual return.
Can You Give Sadaqah on Behalf of Someone? — Alive or Deceased
Yes — giving sadaqah on behalf of someone, whether they are alive or deceased, is permissible and highly recommended in Islam. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of Islamic charity: you can gift the reward of your good deeds to someone you love.
Can you give sadaqah on behalf of someone alive? Yes. You can dedicate any voluntary sadaqah — a donation, a water well, an orphan sponsorship — to a living person and they receive the reward. Parents often give sadaqah on behalf of their children, and children give on behalf of their parents. The Prophet ﷺ was asked whether a person could do good on behalf of their parents, and he ﷺ replied: “Yes.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 2753].
Can you give sadaqah jariyah for someone alive? Absolutely. Building a water well, sponsoring an orphan’s education or contributing to a masjid in someone’s name — while they are alive — means they receive ongoing reward as long as the charity benefits people. This is a profound gift for parents, teachers, spouses or anyone you love.
How to give sadaqah on behalf of someone dead? This is the most powerful application. When a person dies, their own deeds end — but sadaqah given on their behalf continues to reach them. The Prophet ﷺ said: “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except three: Sadaqah Jariyah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” [Sahih Muslim 1631]. Giving a water well, donating an orphan sponsorship, or building a masjid in a deceased person’s name is one of the most merciful acts you can do for them. All four schools of Islamic jurisprudence — Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali — agree that sadaqah given on behalf of the deceased reaches them and benefits them in the grave.
Who Is Eligible for Sadaqah in Islam?
Unlike Zakat, which has eight strict recipient categories defined in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60), sadaqah can be given to anyone in need — Muslim or non-Muslim. This is one of the most important distinctions between the two types of charity.
Who can receive sadaqah?
- The poor (fuqara) — those with little or no income
- The needy (masakin) — those who cannot meet basic needs
- Wayfarers and travellers — those stranded away from home
- The sick and elderly — those unable to work
- Orphans and widows — those without family support
- Debtors — those burdened with debts they cannot repay
- Anyone in financial hardship — including non-Muslims
Is sadaqah only for Muslims? No. Sadaqah is broader than Zakat in its recipients. While Zakat funds are restricted to Muslim recipients (per the majority of scholars, based on Qur’an 9:60), voluntary sadaqah can be given to non-Muslims in need. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Give charity to the people of the Book (Jews and Christians) — there is no objection to that.” [Sunan Abi Dawud 1668]. This is especially relevant when donating to humanitarian causes that serve mixed or non-Muslim populations.
Can you give sadaqah to a mosque? Yes. Contributing to a masjid — for its construction, maintenance, running costs or programmes — is a highly rewarded act of sadaqah and a form of sadaqah jariyah. Every prayer performed in a masjid you helped build or maintain earns you reward. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever builds a masjid for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 450].
Can You Give Sadaqah for Illness? — The Islamic Perspective
Yes — giving sadaqah as a means of seeking healing from illness is a well-established practice in Islam, supported by hadith and the actions of the pious predecessors. The concept is rooted in the belief that charity repels hardship and calamity.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” [Sunan at-Tirmidhi 5871]. Scholars have interpreted this to mean that regular sadaqah acts as a spiritual shield. When a person falls ill, giving sadaqah with the sincere intention of seeking Allah’s ﷻ healing (shifa) is a means of drawing His mercy and forgiveness.
How to give sadaqah for illness in practice:
- Give any amount of voluntary sadaqah with the intention of seeking healing
- Make du’a alongside the donation: “O Allah, accept this sadaqah as a means of healing and mercy”
- There is no fixed amount — give according to your means
- The key is sincerity: you are asking Allah ﷻ through an act of worship, not bargaining
The early Muslims practised this regularly. Scholars report that when a beloved family member fell ill, the pious would immediately give sadaqah as one of their first responses, alongside seeking medical treatment and making du’a. This is not a substitute for medicine — the Prophet ﷺ said: “For every disease there is a cure” — but sadaqah complements medical treatment by addressing the spiritual dimension of illness.
