What is the meaning of Sadaqah in Islam? Sadaqah means ‘righteousness’ and is a form of voluntary charity. It is mentioned in over 50 places in the Qur’an, which shows its importance to Muslims.
Acts of Sadaqah can include:
Sadaqah in Ramadan is all about giving to others genuinely without the expectation of receiving rewards. It is one of the sincerest acts a person can carry out, helping others for the sake of helping people and being honest about these intentions.
Giving Sadaqah in Ramadan can bring multiple benefits to Muslims as acts of charity within this blessed month have immense rewards. This is especially the case in the last 10 days of Ramadan (Laylatul Qadr, The Night of Power). This night has unparalleled significance as Allah (SWT) describes it in the Qur’an:
“We have indeed revealed this in the ‘Night of Power’. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand.” [Al-Qadr 1-5].
These benefits of giving Sadaqah during Ramadan are:
Sadaqah Jariyah is different from Sadaqah. This form of charity is also voluntary, but the rewards are much more immense. Acts of Sadaqah Jariyah have ongoing and sometimes ever-lasting benefits. For example, by teaching someone the Qur’an or knowledge of Islam, you get the reward for this, as well as when they pass it on to others. Another example is planting a tree. For every person and animal who eats from or takes shelter under that tree, you can receive rewards. Often, these acts are so easy and simple to do, yet hold so much value, which should encourage us to do them more often! Doing this form of Sadaqah in Ramadan is a wonderful time to multiply the rewards even further while helping those in need through these acts.
Muhammad, upon him, be peace, said: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Muslim)
You can donate Sadaqah in Ramadan in a financial form to charities, such as Orphans in Need, who use your donations to ease the suffering of those around the world who are impoverished, struggling and ill. Your donations may be used for food, water, shelter, building homes, medicine, education, or other aspects that will allow people to have a better quality of life by providing the essentials to them.
It does not have to be only in financial forms, however. Sadaqah in Islam can be smiling, donating food to a soup kitchen, visiting your neighbours, visiting the sick, visiting the elderly in care homes, and many other things. The opportunities for Sadaqah are endless!
There are many benefits of Sadaqah in Islam, as shown in several hadiths:
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)
The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
“Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” – Prophet Muhammad, upon him, be peace (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
It can be hard to know how to give Sadaqah in Ramadan, but it’s quite simple. You can donate some money to Orphans in Need through the Sadaqah Appeal to reap the rewards of this act of charity. Your donations can help orphans, widows and individuals who require support.
“Surely the men who give Sadaqah and the women who give Sadaqah and have advanced a good loan to Allah (SWT); for them, it will be multiplied, and for them, there is a noble reward.” – The Holy Qur’an (57:18)