Zakat and Sadaqah: Their Rulings, Virtues, and Differences
Zakat and Sadaqah are among the most beautiful acts of worship in Islam. They train a person to spend for the sake of Allah in pursuit of His pleasure and mercy. Both are charitable and humanitarian deeds carried out under specific conditions and for designated recipients. Whoever desires Paradise and Allah’s love should make Zakat and Sadaqah a fundamental part of their life.
Table of Contents
For this reason, Islam encouraged giving Sadaqah and made Zakat obligatory to improve the conditions of the poor and strengthen bonds of love and unity within society.
Zakat and Sadaqah in Islam: Rulings and Importance
Zakat and Sadaqah are among the most important acts of worship in Islam. Both refer to giving and spending in the way of Allah. Sadaqah is a charitable act that brings a believer closer to their Lord, while Zakat is a mandatory act of worship required of Muslims to help the poor and needy, seeking Allah’s pleasure.
The Ruling on Zakat in Islam
Zakat is a mandatory act of worship in Islam, required of every capable Muslim. Allah says:
"And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do is Seeing." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 110)
Zakat is a financial obligation upon every sane, adult Muslim and it brings blessings and sustenance to the giver. Those who give Zakat enjoy the following benefits:
Increase in blessings and wealth
Protection from trials and calamities
- Purification from greed and stinginess
- Contribution to social solidarity and stronger community bonds
The Ruling on Sadaqah in Islam
Sadaqah is not obligatory but rather a recommended act of charity in Islam. Allah says:
"Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing." (Surah At-Tawbah: 103)
Sadaqah is among the noble charitable deeds that elevate the believer and bring them closer to Allah. It also increases and multiplies one's wealth. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever gives charity equal to a date from lawful earnings – for Allah only accepts what is pure – Allah will accept it with His Right Hand and will nurture it for its giver just as one of you nurtures his foal, until it becomes like a mountain."
Zakat and Sadaqah in the Qur'an and Sunnah
Zakat in the Qur’an
Allah commanded the believers to give Zakat to its rightful recipients under specific conditions, such as reaching the minimum threshold (nisab) and being from lawful earnings. He emphasized its obligation on every rational Muslim to support the poor and ensure a dignified life for them.
- "And establish prayer and give Zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship]." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 43)
- "But if they repent, establish prayer, and give Zakat, then they are your brothers in religion; and We detail the verses for a people who know." (Surah At-Tawbah: 11)
Zakat in the Sunnah
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the obligation of Zakat as a path to Paradise and a means to repel hardship.
- Abu Al-Darda’ reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Five deeds, if performed with faith, will admit a person into Paradise: guarding the five prayers with their ablution, bowing, prostration, and proper timing; fasting Ramadan; performing Hajj if able; and giving Zakat willingly.” - Ibn Umar reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Islam is built on five pillars: the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving Zakat, fasting Ramadan, and performing Hajj." (Narrated by Bukhari)
Sadaqah in the Qur’an
Allah repeatedly calls believers to give Sadaqah and stresses its importance as one of the noblest acts of worship that cultivates generosity and combats selfishness and miserliness. It purifies the soul and strengthens social ties.
- "If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds. And Allah is [fully] Acquainted with what you do."
- "Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the stranded traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise."
Sadaqah in the Sunnah
The Prophet (ﷺ) highly encouraged giving Sadaqah due to its immense reward and spiritual impact.
- “Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
- “The most beloved deeds to Allah are bringing happiness to a fellow Muslim.” (Narrated by Al-Tabarani)
How to Give Zakat and Sadaqah
Zakat must be given according to specific conditions that must be fulfilled, whereas Sadaqah does not require the same conditions, as it is voluntary and a recommended act encouraged by Islam. Sadaqah can be given to anyone, while Zakat has specific eligible recipients.
Giving Zakat: Conditions, Pillars, and Recipients
Zakat must meet the following conditions:
- The giver must be a Muslim
- Must be free (not enslaved)
- The wealth must reach the nisab (minimum amount)
- A full lunar year must pass over the wealth, except for crops and fruits, which are due upon harvest
- The wealth must be free from debts
- The wealth must be surplus to the giver’s basic needs
Recipients of Zakat include:
- The poor and the needy
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
- Wayfarers (travelers in need)
- Debtors
- Zakat collectors
- Students of knowledge
- Those striving in the cause of Allah
Giving Sadaqah: Etiquette and Virtue
Sadaqah should be given with the following etiquettes:
- Give in secret when possible
- Avoid boasting or harming the recipient
- Have sincere intention for Allah
- Show respect and kindness when giving
- Ensure the recipient is deserving
- Give from lawful and pure earnings
The Virtue and Reward of Zakat and Sadaqah
Zakat and Sadaqah carry immense rewards and spiritual benefits:
- They protect from calamities and bring peace
- Sadaqah erases sins: "Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire."
- Zakat cultivates generosity and purifies from greed
- They build social cohesion and strengthen love within the community
- Both are means to enter Paradise
- They elevate the believer and draw them closer to Allah
Impact of Zakat and Sadaqah on Individuals and Society
Here are some positive effects of Zakat and Sadaqah:
- Promote social solidarity
- Reduce poverty
- Foster community development and social bonds
- Cleanse the heart from hatred and envy
- Eliminate greed and selfishness
- Train the soul in generosity and giving
- Atone for sins and erase misdeeds
- Increase wealth and blessings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?
Zakat is an obligatory form of worship, while Sadaqah is a recommended charitable act.
Is the reward of Zakat equal to Sadaqah?
Yes, especially when Zakat is given to its rightful recipients.
What is the relationship between Zakat and Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is a broader form of voluntary charity, while Zakat is a specific obligation. Both are financial acts of worship that bring the believer closer to Allah and prepare the way to Paradise.
