The Difference Between Sadaqah and Zakat

Sadaqah and Zakat are among the most noble charitable and humanitarian acts that improve the conditions of the poor and needy, helping them achieve a dignified life. Allah (SWT) has commanded Zakat, making it obligatory upon every Muslim, and has encouraged Sadaqah, making it the ideal means to draw closer to Allah and attain His pleasure.

Therefore, we present our article today to explore together the categories of people who are eligible and ineligible for Zakat and Sadaqah, reaching an understanding of the rulings concerning both Sadaqah and Zakat.

Definition of Zakat and Sadaqah

Definition of Zakat

It is the third pillar of Islam, intended as the spending and disbursing of money to the poor and needy Muslims according to a specific set of conditions. In it, wealth is given purely for the sake of Allah and seeking His pleasure, with the goal of improving the conditions of the poor and providing them with as much support as possible, but specifically from the wealthy and affluent. Linguistically, Zakat means "increase" and "growth." Terminologically, it refers to the giving of specific wealth to its eligible recipients.

Definition of Sadaqah

Sadaqah is anything spent for others—be it money, clothing, or food—with a sincere intention purely for the sake of Allah and to gain His pleasure. Sadaqah is given from the possessions of the giver, and it is a noble humanitarian act that improves the conditions of the poor and carries immense reward and merit from Allah in this world and the Hereafter. Linguistically, the definition of Sadaqah is derived from "tassaddaqa sadaqatan"; its plural is "sadaqat." "Mutasaddiq" refers to the giver, and Sadaqah is what is offered to a poor person to attain Allah's pleasure and love.

Conditions for Eligibility for Zakat and Giving Sadaqah

Conditions for Giving Sadaqah

Sadaqah is considered the ideal means for a person to ward off calamities and repel evil. Therefore, here are the most important conditions for giving Sadaqah correctly:

• Sincere intention purely for the sake of Allah: This means giving Sadaqah with love, stemming from the heart, away from public display, and prioritizing discretion to receive multiplied reward. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, actions are by intentions."
• Giving Sadaqah from lawful wealth: Sadaqah must be given from lawful earnings that the giver obtained through their hard work and effort, not through forbidden or illicit means.
• Respect when giving Sadaqah: Sadaqah must be given politely and appropriately, full of humility and respect, without uttering any insult to the recipient or infringing upon their dignity.
• Giving Sadaqah secretly, not in public with the intention of showing off or boasting. The Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Secret Sadaqah extinguishes the wrath of the Lord."
• Giving Sadaqah to its rightful recipients, i.e., the poor and needy classes, and not to the affluent and wealthy.

Rulings of Sadaqah

Sadaqah is not an obligatory duty or a religious imposition; rather, it is a recommended humanitarian act in the sight of Allah (SWT) and is encouraged by Islam due to its great reward and merit in this world and the Hereafter. Allah Almighty says in His Noble Book: الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ ثُمَّ لَا يُتْبِعُونَ مَا أَنفَقُوا مَنًّا وَلَا أَذًى ۙ لَّهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (Al-Baqarah: 262) (Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders of their generosity or [other] injury - for them is their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.)

Conditions for Zakat

There are a set of conditions that must be met for Zakat to be valid in Islam:

• Islam: Zakat is only obligatory upon Muslims; it is not due from a non-Muslim.
• Freedom: Zakat cannot be given by a slave because they do not own property or wealth to give.
• Ownership: The Zakat wealth must be entirely owned by the giver, free from any debt.
• Growth and Increase (Nimaa): The giver's wealth must be capable of growth and increase.
• Passage of a Full Lunar Year (Hawl): A full lunar year must have passed since the Muslim acquired the wealth. This is a fundamental condition for Zakat wealth, except for fruits and crops, for which Zakat is due upon harvest.
• Nisab: The wealth must reach the minimum threshold (Nisab) according to the type of Zakat wealth.
• The Zakat wealth must be surplus to the Muslim's basic needs.
• Zakat is not due on wealth that is encumbered by debt.

Ruling of Zakat

Zakat is an obligation upon every adult, sane Muslim whose wealth has reached the Nisab and upon whom a full lunar year has passed. It is obligatory upon every affluent Muslim and carries great reward and merit, as it helps build a more stable life for the poor and needy.

Eligible Recipients of Zakat and Sadaqah

To Whom Zakat is Paid and Not Paid

Here are the categories to whom Zakat is paid in Islam:

• The Poor (Fuqara') and Needy (Masakin): Those who cannot secure their daily needs.
• The Debt-Ridden (Gharimun): These are individuals burdened by debt due to crises they've faced. They are divided into two types: those indebted for reconciling disputes, and those indebted for personal reasons.
• Those Striving in Allah's Cause (Mujahidun fi Sabilillah): These are individuals who strive in Allah's cause to protect the religion and defend the Muslim Ummah (community). They are eligible for Zakat to improve their conditions.
• Wayfarers (Ibn al-Sabil): These are travelers who need support during their journey to secure their essential needs.
• Those Whose Hearts are to be Reconciled (Mu'allafatu Qulubuhum): Those to whom Zakat is given to strengthen their faith in Islam and attract them to it.
• Zakat Collectors (ِAmilun alayha): These are the employees who work to collect Zakat.

To Whom Zakat is Not Paid

Zakat is not paid to the following categories:

• The Wealthy and Affluent: They are capable of securing their daily needs and do not require any assistance.
• Those for whom one is obligated to provide support: This includes children, spouses, parents, and grandparents, as their maintenance is obligatory upon the giver.
• Slaves.
• Minors (those who have not reached puberty).
• Non-Muslims (Kafir).

To Whom Sadaqah is Paid and Not Paid

Sadaqah is paid to the following categories:

• The Poor: They are among the most important beneficiaries of Sadaqah because they lack basic necessities of life, and Sadaqah will alleviate their suffering.
• The Needy (Masakin): This category is similar to the poor but may possess some wealth, though not enough to secure their needs or achieve a better life.
• Those Whose Hearts are to be Reconciled (Mu'allafatu Qulubuhum): Those to whom Sadaqah is given to gain their love and affection, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims.
• Orphans: They are among the primary beneficiaries of Sadaqah because they have lost much love and affection, and they must be supported materially and morally.
• The Debt-Ridden (Gharimun): These are indebted individuals who are unable to repay their debts.
• Those Striving in Allah's Cause (Mujahidun fi Sabilillah): Those who have volunteered to protect the religion and defend the Muslim Ummah.
• Wayfarers (Ibn al-Sabil): These are travelers who need Sadaqah until they can return to their homes.
• Slaves (Al-Riqab): This refers to Muslim slaves who have contracts of manumission and Muslim captives.

To Whom Sadaqah is Not Paid

Sadaqah is not paid to the following categories:

• The Affluent and Wealthy: Those who can provide for their basic necessities and earn their livelihood, as they are capable of working.
• Those who have a provider to support them in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?

Zakat is an obligatory charitable act for every Muslim, subject to specific conditions such as the Nisab (minimum threshold) and the completion of a full lunar year (Hawl), and it is given to specific categories. Sadaqah, on the other hand, is not obligatory; it is voluntary and can be given to any person in need.

Is Sadaqah different from Zakat?

Yes, Sadaqah differs from Zakat. Zakat is considered an obligatory act for Muslims whose wealth has reached the Nisab and upon whom a full lunar year has passed, and it is permissible for specific categories.

Is Zakat better than Sadaqah?

Both bring immense good, reward, and merit to the giver. Both atone for sins, purify hearts, and are wide gates to entering Paradise. Sadaqah is a good and humanitarian act with no compulsion, whereas Zakat is an obligatory and mandated act upon every Muslim, and it is not due on all wealth.

What is the relationship between Zakat and Sadaqah?

Sadaqah is considered a part of Zakat in a general sense (i.e., voluntary giving is a broader concept that includes obligatory giving), while Zakat is not a part of Sadaqah (in the sense that Zakat has specific rules that Sadaqah doesn't). Zakat is given to specific categories and has conditions that must be met, whereas Sadaqah is permissible for all categories and has no specific conditions.