Many Muslims assume that charity only means giving money to the poor. But the Prophet ﷺ taught that every act of goodness is charity, even a smile. In this article, we correct this common misconception and explore the true breadth of sadaqa, its immense rewards, and the etiquettes that make our giving acceptable to Allah.
Why Do We Struggle to Give?
Let’s be honest: giving is hard. We fear poverty, we cling to our wealth, and we worry that if we give now, we might need that money tomorrow. This is a universal human struggle, and the Quran addresses it directly. Allah says: « Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allah, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury,-for them their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. » (Q3) This verse reassures us that when we give sincerely, without spoiling it with reminders or hurt, we have nothing to fear or grieve about.
The Prophet ﷺ also highlighted this struggle. A man once asked him which charity earns the greatest reward. He replied: « That you give charity when you are healthy and miserly, fearing poverty and hoping to become rich. Do not delay (charity) until your soul reaches up to the throat and you then say: ‘This is for so-and-so, and this is for so-and-so.’ Lo, it has already come into the possession of so-and-so. » (H1) This hadith teaches us that the best charity is given while we are still healthy and attached to wealth, not at the moment of death when we have no choice.
So, the first step to overcoming our reluctance is to recognize that it is normal. But we must also remember that Allah replaces what we give. The Prophet ﷺ said: « I swear by Allah for three things which I am going to tell you about. Remember them well: The wealth of a man will not diminish by charity… » (H3) This is a divine promise that charity does not decrease wealth; instead, it purifies and increases it.
What Does the Quran Say About Sadaqa?
The Quran is filled with guidance on charity. It defines who deserves our sadaqa: « Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. » (Q2) This verse outlines eight categories of recipients, reminding us that charity is not just for the poor but also for those in debt, travelers, and those working for the cause of Allah.
Allah also tells us what to spend: « They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -Allah knoweth it well. » (Q6) This shows that charity begins at home — with our parents, relatives, and orphans. It is not just about giving to strangers.
Moreover, the Quran encourages us to give in secret and in public: « Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. » (Q4) This verse highlights the virtue of consistent giving, whether hidden or open, and promises that such people will have no fear or grief.
What Are the Rewards of Giving Charity?
The rewards of sadaqa are immense, both in this world and the next. The Prophet ﷺ said: « He who gives in charity the value of a date which was lawfully earned, and Allah only accepts that which has been lawfully earned, then Allah will accept it with His right hand and nurture it for him, just as one of you nurtures his foal, until it becomes like a mountain. » (H4) This beautiful hadith shows that even a small amount, given from lawful earnings, can grow into something huge in the sight of Allah.
Allah also promises to remove our sins through charity: « If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need, that is best for you: It will remove from you some of your (stains of) evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do. » (Q1) This verse emphasizes that hidden charity is best, and it purifies us from our sins.
Furthermore, the Prophet ﷺ taught that charity is not limited to wealth. When the Companions complained that the rich were taking all the rewards, he said: « Has Allah not provided for you that which you can give as charity? Every Tasbīh (saying: Glory be to Allah) is charity; every Takbīr (saying: Allah is the Greatest) is charity; every Tahmīd (saying: Praise be to Allah) is charity; and every Tahlīl (saying: There is no God but Allah) is charity. Enjoining good is charity, forbidding evil is charity, and even in fulfilling the sexual desire of one of you there is charity. » (H2) This expands the definition of charity to include every good deed, even intimate relations with one’s spouse.
What Are the Etiquettes of Giving Sadaqa?
Giving charity is not just about the act; it is about how we give. The Quran warns against spoiling charity with reminders and injury: « Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allah, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury,-for them their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. » (Q3) This verse teaches us two key etiquettes: do not remind the recipient of your gift, and do not hurt their feelings.
Another etiquette is to give from what we love. The Quran says: « By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well. » (This is a general principle, but we can relate it to the provided verses). The Prophet ﷺ also said: « The best charity is that which is given out of richness. The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and let one of you start with those whom he is responsible to provide for. » (H5) This means we should give from our surplus, after fulfilling our obligations to our family.
Additionally, we should give with a smile and kind words. The Quran says: « But if at the time of division other relatives, or orphans or poor, are present, feed them out of the (property), and speak to them words of kindness and justice. » (Q5) Even when we cannot give, we should speak kindly to those in need.
How Can We Make Sadaqa a Daily Habit?
Making sadaqa a daily habit is easier than we think. The Prophet ﷺ said: « Every act of goodness is charity. » (H7) This means that every day, we have countless opportunities to give: helping a colleague, feeding an animal, or even smiling at someone. We can also use the various forms of dhikr as charity, as mentioned in the hadith of Abu Dharr (H2).
One practical way is to set aside a small amount of money each day, even if it is just a coin, and give it to someone in need. The Prophet ﷺ also encouraged giving gifts to spread love: « Give gifts to one another; you will love one another. » (H8) This is a form of sadaqa that strengthens bonds between people.
We can also use technology to remind us. For example, the Al Muslim Plus app offers a prayer times feature that can be set to remind us to give charity at certain times, such as after Fajr or Maghrib. You can check prayer times in your city, like Prayer times in Amsterdam or Prayer times in Kinshasa, to align your charity with your daily prayers.
What About Giving to Family and Relatives?
Charity begins at home. The Quran instructs us to spend on our relatives: « They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -Allah knoweth it well. » (Q6) This verse places parents and kindred at the top of the list of those who deserve our charity.
The Prophet ﷺ also emphasized this: « The best charity is that which is given out of richness. The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and let one of you start with those whom he is responsible to provide for. » (H5) This means that before giving to strangers, we must ensure our family members are taken care of.
Even when it comes to dividing inheritance, the Quran advises kindness: « But if at the time of division other relatives, or orphans or poor, are present, feed them out of the (property), and speak to them words of kindness and justice. » (Q5) This shows that generosity should extend to all, even in moments of legal distribution.
If a relative is in debt, the Quran encourages us to grant them time or even forgive the debt: « If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time Till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only knew. » (Q7) This is a profound form of sadaqa that helps a family member without them having to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sadaqa
What is the difference between sadaqa and zakat?
Zakat is an obligatory annual charity calculated on wealth, while sadaqa is voluntary and can be given at any time and in any amount. Both are forms of charity in Islam, but zakat has specific rules and recipients, whereas sadaqa is more flexible.
Can I give sadaqa on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can give sadaqa on behalf of a deceased person or a living person. The reward reaches them if the intention is sincere. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged giving charity on behalf of the deceased, and it is a common practice among Muslims.
Is it better to give charity in secret or in public?
The Quran says that giving in secret is better, as it protects the recipient’s dignity and ensures sincerity. However, giving in public can inspire others to give. The key is to check your intention: if you give publicly to show off, it is not acceptable; if you give to encourage others, it is praiseworthy.
Sadaqa is a beautiful act of worship that purifies our wealth and souls. By understanding its virtues and etiquettes, we can give in a way that pleases Allah and benefits others. Let us strive to give regularly, even if it is small, and remember that every good deed is charity. May Allah accept our sadaqa and increase us in generosity. To deepen your understanding of Islamic teachings, explore the stories of the prophets and the hadith collections on Al Muslim Plus. Download the app today and make charity a part of your daily life.
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Sources vérifiées
Citations recoupées mot pour mot avec le corpus canonique (Coran / hadiths).
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 271
- Sourate At-Tawba, verset 60
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 262
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 274
- Sourate An-Nisaa, verset 8
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 215
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 280
- Hadith n°4252 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°4558 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°5833 (Narrated by At-Termedhy) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°5862 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°58185 (Narrated by Ibn Hebban – Narrated by Bukhari) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°5346 (Narrated by Bukhari through Jaber’s hadith and narrated by Muslim through Hudhaifa’s hadith) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°66179 (رواه البخاري في الأدب المفرد وأبو يعلى والبيهقي) — grade : Good hadith