Zakat and Sadaqah
As a new Muslim, you may hear the words Zakat and Sadaqah frequently. Both are forms of charity in Islam, but they have different rules and meanings. Below is a clear explanation with proofs from the Qur’an and Sunnah to help you understand these concepts.
1. What is Zakat? (Obligatory Charity)
Definition of Zakat
Zakat is a mandatory form of charity that every financially capable Muslim must give once a year.
It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and helps purify one's wealth and support the poor.
📖 Allah commands in the Qur’an:
"And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves—you will find it with Allah."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:110)
🔹 The word Zakat means "purification" and "growth"—it purifies our wealth and helps it grow in blessings.
2. Who Must Pay Zakat?
✅ Zakat is obligatory for Muslims who:
Own wealth above the Nisab (minimum threshold) for one lunar year.
Are sane and adult (past puberty).
📖 Allah says:
"Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to increase, and invoke blessings upon them."
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)
3. How Much Zakat to Give?
✅ Zakat is 2.5% of a Muslim's wealth if it reaches the Nisab (minimum amount).
💰 Nisab (Minimum Wealth to Pay Zakat):
Gold: 85 grams
Silver: 595 grams
Cash, savings, business assets: Equivalent to the value of 85 grams of gold.
Example: If your savings = €5,000 and the Nisab = €3,000, you must pay:
€5,000 × 2.5% = €125 as Zakat
4. Who Receives Zakat?
📖 Allah lists 8 categories of people who can receive Zakat:
"Zakat is only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled (new Muslims), freeing captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and for travelers in need."
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)
✅ Who can receive Zakat?
The poor (who have little to no wealth)
The needy (who struggle to meet basic needs)
Zakat collectors (those who distribute Zakat)
New Muslims (who may need financial help)
Slaves (to free them) (historical)
People in debt (who can't repay debts)
In the cause of Allah (e.g., spreading Islam, dawah efforts)
Stranded travelers (who need help returning home)
❌ Who cannot receive Zakat?
Wealthy people who have more than Nisab.
Direct family members (parents, children, spouse).
Non-Muslims (unless they are accepting Islam and need support).
5. The Rewards of Giving Zakat
Purifies wealth and prevents greed.
Brings blessings (barakah) in money.
Earns Allah’s reward in this life & the Hereafter.
📖 Allah says in the Qur’an:
"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that grows seven ears, and in each ear is a hundred grains. Allah multiplies for whom He wills."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
6. What is Sadaqah? (Voluntary Charity)
Definition of Sadaqah
Sadaqah is any voluntary act of charity given for the sake of Allah.
Unlike Zakat, there is no fixed amount—you can give any time and any amount.
📖 Allah says:
"Those who spend their wealth in charity by night and day, secretly and openly, will have their reward with their Lord."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:274)
7. Types of Sadaqah
A. Sadaqah in Money 💰
Giving money to the poor, orphans, widows, or anyone in need.
Helping to build mosques, schools, or wells.
📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Sadaqah does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim)
Meaning, giving charity increases blessings in wealth.
B. Sadaqah Jariyah (Continuous Charity) ⏳
A charity that keeps benefiting people even after you die.
Example:✅ Building a well (People will drink from it for years).✅ Donating Qur’ans (People will read and learn).✅ Teaching someone Islamic knowledge (They will pass it on).
📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When a person dies, all his deeds end except three: (1) Continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), (2) Beneficial knowledge, (3) A righteous child who prays for him." (Muslim)
C. Non-Monetary Sadaqah ❤️
Smiling at someone 😊 (Hadith: Abu Dawood)
Helping someone (carrying bags, assisting the elderly).
Saying kind words.
Removing harm from the road.
📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:
""Every good deed is a CHARITY. Verily, it is a good deed to meet your Brother with a smiling face..." Tirmithiy: 1970" (Bukhari, Muslim)
8. Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah
Zakat (Mandatory Charity) Obligatory? Yes, Fixed Amount? Yes (2.5%), Who Can Receive? Only 8 categories (Qur’an 9:60), Purpose Purifies wealth and supports the needy, Given Once? Once a year , Continuous Reward? No (unless part of Sadaqah Jariyah)
Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity) Obligatory? No, Fixed Amount? No (Any amount), Who Can Receive? Anyone in need, Purpose General kindness & rewards, Given Anytime, Continuous Reward? Yes (Sadaqah Jariyah keeps rewarding even after death)
Final Advice for a New Muslim
✅ Zakat is obligatory once a year if you have wealth above the Nisab.
✅ Sadaqah is voluntary—you can give money, kindness, or help to anyone at any time.
✅ Give with sincerity—your intention should be for Allah’s pleasure.
✅ Start small—even a little charity brings big rewards in Islam!
📖 Allah says:
"Whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it (on the Day of Judgment)."
(Surah Az-Zalzalah 99:7)
May Allah bless you and make it easy for you to practice charity! 🤲
Would you like help calculating Zakat or finding ways to give Sadaqah in your community? 😊
