What is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is voluntary charity in Islam — any act of giving, however small, done sincerely for the sake of Allah. Unlike Zakat, it has no fixed amount, no minimum threshold, and no restriction on who may receive it. It is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam.
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Verified for 2026 · By World Aid Network
Definition: Sadaqah (صدقة) comes from the Arabic root sidq — truth or sincerity. It is any voluntary act of giving done sincerely for Allah's sake: money, food, time, knowledge, or even a kind word. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Every act of kindness is Sadaqah." (Bukhari)
The Quran and Hadith on Sadaqah
The Quran mentions Sadaqah frequently, often alongside Salah (prayer), as a mark of the believer:
"Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah… their reward is with their Lord, and there shall be no fear upon them, nor shall they grieve." — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:274
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire." (Tirmidhi). And: "Protect yourself from the Fire even with half a date (in charity)." (Bukhari). These Hadith make clear that even the smallest voluntary charity carries immense reward.
Sadaqah vs Zakat — what's the difference?
| Sadaqah | Zakat | |
|---|---|---|
| Obligatory? | No — voluntary | Yes — 3rd Pillar of Islam |
| Amount | Any amount, any time | Fixed 2.5% annually |
| Nisab threshold? | None | Yes (≈£1,065 silver, 2026) |
| Hawl (one year)? | None | Yes — one lunar year |
| Who can receive? | Anyone | Only 8 Quranic categories |
| Who can give? | Anyone — Muslim or not | Adult Muslims above Nisab |
Sadaqah does not replace Zakat. If Zakat is due, it must be paid separately regardless of how much voluntary charity you give.
Types of Sadaqah
Sadaqah al-Mal
Monetary charity — giving money or wealth to those in need. The most commonly understood form.
Sadaqah Jariyah
Ongoing charity — benefits continue after the donor's death. Includes wells, medical treatment, education, and the Quran.
Sadaqah al-Fitr (Zakat al-Fitr)
The obligatory Ramadan charity paid per person before Eid prayer. Technically obligatory, but often discussed as Sadaqah.
Non-monetary Sadaqah
Helping someone carry their bags, planting a tree, removing a stone from the road, sharing knowledge, smiling — all count as Sadaqah.
Sadaqah on behalf of others
Given in the name of a living or deceased person. The donor gives, names the intended recipient, and both receive reward.
What counts as Sadaqah?
Almost any good deed done with sincere intention counts as Sadaqah. The Prophet ﷺ listed many:
- Giving money or food to someone in need
- Planting a tree (whose fruit benefits others)
- Removing something harmful from the road
- Smiling at your fellow Muslim
- Sharing knowledge that benefits others
- Building or funding a well, school, or clinic
- Giving blood or donating organs
- Helping someone carry their luggage
Sadaqah Jariyah — ongoing charity
Sadaqah Jariyah is a special category: charity whose benefit continues after the donor's death, so rewards continue flowing. The Prophet ﷺ said: "When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: Sadaqah Jariyah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them." (Muslim)
Funding a cataract operation permanently restores someone's sight — they can work, care for their family, and worship for decades. This is Sadaqah Jariyah at its most direct.
Read our full Sadaqah Jariyah guide →
Frequently asked questions
What is Sadaqah in Islam?
Sadaqah is voluntary charity in Islam — any act of giving for the sake of Allah, without compulsion or obligation. It can be money, food, time, a kind word, a smile, or any action that benefits another person. Unlike Zakat, there is no fixed amount or minimum threshold. It can be given at any time, to anyone, in any amount.
What is the difference between Sadaqah and Zakat?
Zakat is obligatory — a fixed 2.5% of qualifying wealth owed annually by every eligible Muslim. Sadaqah is voluntary — any amount, any time, to anyone. Zakat has strict rules on who may receive it (the 8 Quranic categories). Sadaqah can be given to anyone: Muslim, non-Muslim, rich, poor, family, strangers. Both are acts of worship, but only Zakat is a pillar of Islam.
What is the difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah is any voluntary charitable act. Sadaqah Jariyah (flowing charity) is a specific type of Sadaqah whose benefit continues after the donor's death — for example, funding a well, a school, or a medical procedure that keeps helping people. The rewards of Sadaqah Jariyah flow back to the donor as long as the benefit continues.
How much Sadaqah should I give?
There is no minimum or maximum for Sadaqah. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Even half a date (in charity) protects from the Fire.' Give what you can, when you can, with sincerity. Regularity matters more than size — a small amount given consistently is beloved to Allah.
Can Sadaqah be given on behalf of someone who has died?
Yes. Giving Sadaqah on behalf of a deceased person is a widely practised and accepted form of charity in Islam. The reward reaches the deceased through the mercy of Allah, and the giver also receives reward. This is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to someone who has passed.
Is smiling or helping someone Sadaqah?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Your smiling in the face of your brother is Sadaqah; your removing of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is Sadaqah; your guiding a man gone astray in the world is Sadaqah.' (Tirmidhi). Any act done with good intention for the sake of Allah qualifies.