Types of Sadaqah

Sadaqah in Islam is considered to be any act of kindness that is made without expectation of anything in return and outside of the obligatory annual contribution of Zakat. 

Making Sadaqah rewards you, not only in this life but in the next. While there are no restrictions and rules for giving Sadaqah, there are different types of Sadaqah one can choose to give.

Sadaqah has come to mean ‘voluntary charity’ in modern times and is given in the Qur’an as meaning a voluntary offering. It was a common practice of the Prophet (PBUH), who would often give his own food at mealtimes to those who were poor or in need. It is a practice encouraged by all who are able to give.

You will often hear of both ‘Sadaqah’ and ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’, which are slightly different from each other. Read on to learn more about the different types of Sadaqah.

What is Sadaqah?

When translated from Arabic, Sadaqah literally means ‘righteousness’. But when considering the different types of Sadaqah in Islam, Sadaqah refers to the voluntary giving of charity. More broadly, it is understood to be some deed that helps people or puts good into the world, performed by choice and with no expectation of benefit or reward in return. Sadaqah differs from Zakat, which is financial charitable giving that is compulsory on all eligible Muslims.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

Sadaqah Jariyah is understood to be a form of continuous or ongoing charity. It means that it’s an act that continues to benefit people after the death of the person who has given it. In Islam, it has the same meaning as well as providing long-term benefit to people in this world. This form of charity continues to bring spiritual rewards to the donor in the afterlife.

Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah include leaving legacies to fund the construction of mosques, schools, hospitals and other buildings with a spiritual and social purpose. Providing funds for water wells and irrigation projects, or planting trees for shade and fruits are also an enduring form of Sadaqah Jariyah. Even donating a particularly valuable book to a library or mosque is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah, since it imparts knowledge and understanding every time it is used.

Sadaqah Jariyah can also take less distinct forms. Any human endeavour that betters humanity is in keeping with the principles of Islam and is something that provides ongoing benefit, which is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah. So a medical discovery, a technical innovation or a political or social advancement would be Sadaqah Jariyah for someone responsible for or heavily involved in those achievements.

Sponsoring orphans or donating to orphan housing, support and education projects is also a form of Sadaqah Jariyah, since your contribution to these endeavours will continue to improve lives, even for many years after the initial donation.

Bringing The Power of Sadaqah

Outside the types of Sadaqah that involve financial donations, and Sadaqah Jariyah, there are 17 common acts that you can include in your day-to-day routine that are considered acts of Sadaqah. These cost nothing but time, thought and kindness, and will provide a reward in this life and the Hereafter. So, what are the different types of Sadaqah?

• Duas – Pray for the good of others or for someone who asked you to make prayer on their behalf.

• Share a smile – A smile is such a simple yet kind gesture that can make someone’s day, whether they are a stranger, a loved one or a friend.

• Spreading knowledge – Knowledge is power and the defender against fear through misunderstanding, and providing knowledge to those who can’t afford it is considered Sadaqah.

• Sharing advice – Share life advice from your own experiences with the next generation.

• Giving time – Making time to spend with your parents or sparing time to spend with your wife or husband.

• Tarbiyyah for children – Raising your children in the eyes of Allah (SWT) to be kind, well-mannered and compassionate for those around them.

• Talking gently – The tone in which we address people can change the meaning of a sentence, and you should refrain from aggressive and condescending tones.

• Practice patience – Patience is a key skill that we can all use, and we should have patience so Allah (SWT) might help us with our problems.

• Guiding reverts – New Muslims need extra care and guidance when joining Islam, and we can give Sadaqah by offering guidance to reverts.

• Forgiveness – Anger and resentment are not good for our health, and practising forgiveness can help us move past difficulties.

• To help – Spare time for anyone who asks for help or the poor and needy who don’t have the facility to ask.

• Show respect – Give respect to those who are deserving, especially your elders and the young.

• Provide guidance – Sometimes, people can fall from the right path and need guidance to get their lives back on track.

• Avoid evil – Shy away from temptation and remain on the path of good and righteousness in the name of Allah (SWT).

• Visit the sick – Supporting the sick, impaired and vulnerable is a practice encouraged by the Prophet (PBUH) himself.

• Avoid jealousy – Be happy for others and the success of others, and Allah (SWT) will smile upon you.

• Keep the path clear – On your travels, remove hazards from the road to ensure it is safe for others.

These are very simple gestures that can make a huge difference in the life of someone struggling and can be some of the best Sadaqah when you include as many acts of kindness as you can in your everyday life. No act of Sadaqah will bring more reward than another; it is your intention to make someone’s day better or give to improve someone’s life for the future that brings the reward combined with the gesture that counts.

Giving Sadaqah to Orphans in Need

If you want to make a monetary Sadaqah Jariyah contribution, you can give directly to Orphans in Need in support of our Orphan Sponsorship Programme, which provides access to education, medical care, clothing and food packs for orphans who have nowhere else to turn.

You can also support our Orphan Village project, providing a loving, supportive home for orphan children in Delhi, India, to grow and develop. Any contribution you make will go towards improving the lives of our orphan children in need and providing support to widows who have lost their husbands through conflict or disease. Ensuring they are supported in the long term and can go on to help and provide support to others in their community.

If you’d like to make a one-off Sadaqah donation, take a look at Who We Are and give to one of our worthy causes, enabling our teams to continue providing help and aid to those in impoverished countries and delivering hope when hope feels lost.