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, meaning charity or benevolence in Arabic, 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.

Understanding Sadaqah in Islam

Giving Sadaqah is not something that is done for the reward but with the intention to provide or make someone’s day or life better in some way. It is not tied solely to monetary contributions, and giving your time and resources is also gratefully received. You will often hear of both Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah (or even types of Sadaqah e Jariyah), which are slightly different from each other.

Sadaqah is any kind gesture that gives or provides short-term, while Sadaqah Jariyah is considered an act of kindness that continues to give long-term or after you have left this world. This means any act of Sadaqah Jariyah is considered Sadaqah, but only certain acts that are intended to give continuously can be considered Sadaqah Jariyah.

How Many Types of Sadaqah Are There?

Outside of Sadaqah and the different types of Sadaqah Jariyah, there are 17 common acts that you can include in your day-to-day routine that are considered acts of Sadaqah 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.