SADAQAH

Charitable Giving

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Sadaqah

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LAST UPDATED: December 2025

What is Sadaqah

Sadaqah is the term used to describe a voluntary act of charity that is wide-reaching, for example a form of monetary charity or an act of kindness that can be performed in any amount, at any time of the year.


The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the benefits of giving Sadaqah in a number of sayings:

Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire. (Tirmidhi)

Therefore, any act of kindness or support extended to other beings (including animals) for the sake of Allah (SWT), can be considered a Sadaqah or charity.


Your Impact in 2025

4.4m

0

Rights-holders reached

113

0

Projects Implemented

22

0

Countries Supported

50+

0

Development Projects Delivered

Your Impact in 2025

4.4m

Rights-holders reached in 2025

113

Projects delivered worldwide

22

Countries supported

50+

Development projects delivered

Give Sadaqah Today

$150

Can provide a foodpack to a family in need

$250

Can deliver urgent medical supplies to hospitals

$500

Can provide cash assistance

How Islamic Relief uses your Sadaqah donations

For many of the world’s most vulnerable, your donations are a lifeline.


When you give Sadaqah to Islamic Relief, your support helps provide food, shelter, education, and healthcare to those in need. From families affected by conflict to communities facing extreme poverty, your donations create opportunities for a brighter, more secure future.  

The Impact of your Sadaqah Donations

Giving Sadaqah provides vital medical care for people affected by war and crisis, offering relief to our brothers and sisters in places such as Yemen, Sudan, Syria, and Palestine.


It also supports livelihoods, helping thousands of individuals and communities break the cycle of poverty, and achieve long-term wellbeing.


Your Sadaqah donations truly transform lives.

Sadaqah FAQs

You can give Sadaqah in any amount at any time of the year, it is a voluntary act of charity and worship.

Sadaqah can be used for any project or programme which is of benefit to people.


Sadaqah is an entirely voluntary charity, where any amount can be given at any time of year. However, Zakat is an obligatory charity due from every Muslim whose total possessions (cash, gold, silver, shares) meet or exceed the nisab threshold on a yearly basis.

There are many ways to give Sadaqah, but one important principle guides us. Consistency matters more than the amount.


“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small (in amount).” (Bukhari)

General Questions on Sadaqah

The literal translation is ‘righteousness’. However, in the modern-day context, it has come to mean ‘voluntary charity’. The word stems from ‘sidq’, which means sincerity. This suggests that Sadaqah is a righteous behaviour, which shows sincerity of faith.

It can be anything from a simple act of kindness to a monetary donation. For example, Sadaqah can mean helping someone in need, smiling at someone, or even visiting someone who is ill. Fidya and Kaffarah are also examples of Sadaqah.

Some examples include:

  • Donating money to someone in need
  • Making food for others
  • Teaching Quran
  • Smiling at others
  • Watering a plant
  • Taking care of an animal
  • Removing something harmful from someone’s path
  • Visiting someone who is ill
  • Offering food or hosting guests
  • Sharing knowledge or teaching a skill
In a famous Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (ra):
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that.’” (Al-Bukhari)

Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity given for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah (SWT), without expecting anything in return.


We know that Prophet Muhammad ﷻ was  very generous. He (ﷻ) would give his food, money, and belongings to the poor and often let himself go hungry. In summary, the Prophet Muhammad  ﷻ  had impeccable character. Therefore, it is an immense reward in following his exemplary behaviour.

There are countless ways to give Sadaqah, both monetary and non-monetary. For example, your time can be Sadaqah, as can a smile or helping someone overcome a hardship. Common forms of charity include giving money to those in need and supporting those who are less able, whether physically or mentally.


“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.” (Bukhari)

Sadaqah can be given to a mosque or any charity.


When something bad happens you can give Sadaqah. The Messenger of Allah ﷻ said:


“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi)

In a famous Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira reported:


“The Messenger of Allah, (peace be upon him), said, “Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another but that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah but that Allah raises his status.” (Muslim)


Many scholars interpret this to mean that when a person gives sincerely from what they love for Allah’s sake, Allah (SWT) can restore and even increase their wealth in ways that may not be immediately visible.

Zakat, Sadaqah, and Sadaqah Jariyah 

Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity that can be given at any time and in any amount. Zakat, on the other hand, is an obligatory form of charity required from every Muslim whose total possessions including cash, gold, silver, and shares meet or exceed the nisab threshold each year.


While Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam and comes with specific rules about how it can be distributed, Sadaqah is more flexible and can be used for any project or program that benefits people. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the many benefits of giving Sadaqah in numerous sayings. 


As Anas Bin Malik said, narrated by Bayhaqi:
“Give charity without delay, for it  stands in the way of calamity .” (Tirmidhi)

Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity — acts that continue to benefit others over time. In today’s terms, it’s similar to sustainable development, a concept Islam emphasized over 1400 years ago. Many programs run by Islamic and other NGOs today follow the principles of Sadaqah Jariyah. 

Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity given to help others in need. Sadaqah Jariyah is a form of Sadaqah known as an ongoing charity because it continues to benefit people long after it is given. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 

“When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them.” (Muslim) 

Therefore, many Muslims give charity that continues to benefit people after their death and continues to earn them reward. 

Sadaqah Jariyah is any charity that has lasting positive effects on a community, beyond immediate relief. This includes building homes, schools, and hospitals. Other examples include installing durable water systems, turning land into a farm that produces crops for years to come, or helping a poor family start a business that continues generating income for future generations.  

Donate Sadaqah today. Because what you do truly makes a difference.

Sadaqah not only purifies one’s own wealth, but also helps to establish economic stability through the flow of wealth in society. Through the good deed of giving, Muslims are bonded together. Therefore, Muslims are instructed by Allah (SWT) to try to give for His sake and spread generosity.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷻ) said:
“ The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity. ” (Tirmidhi)

 Your Sadaqah Changes Lives

    Follow your donation by reading our newly published 2025 Impact Report:


    Together, we reached over 4.4 million people worldwide through more than 113 projects, bringing relief and hope. Jazak Allah khair for your continued commitment!


    Read our report