Sadaqah in Islam: Quran Verses, Sahih Hadith & How It Differs From Infaq
•By Muslim Economist
Artikel ini juga tersedia dalam Bahasa Melayu
Loading...
Have you ever wondered - what does sadaqah truly mean? Is it merely giving money to the poor? In Islam, the concept of sadaqah is far broader and deeper than what most people think.
The word sadaqah (sedekah in Malay) comes from the Arabic صدقة, rooted in صدق (sidq) - meaning truthfulness or sincerity. The connection between "truth" and "giving" is no coincidence. According to renowned scholars such as Imam An-Nawawi, sadaqah is so named because it proves the truthfulness of one's faith. A person who gives sadaqah essentially demonstrates that their iman is genuine and sincere, because only someone who truly believes in Allah's promise would willingly give away their wealth in His path.
Al-Jurjani in his book At-Ta'rifat defined sadaqah as "giving to those in need while seeking reward from Allah, not expecting recompense from people." This definition distinguishes sadaqah from mere donations or gifts - the intention and purpose is solely for Allah.
The Quran mentions sadaqah in various contexts - sometimes directly using the word sadaqah, sometimes through the concept of infaq (spending wealth in Allah's path). Here are the key verses that form the foundation of charitable giving in Islam.
Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261:
"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain which grows seven ears; in each ear is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies the reward for whom He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing."
This verse paints a powerful picture - every ringgit given in charity has the potential to be multiplied up to 700 times, and even more. This is not merely a metaphor, but a direct promise from Allah to those who spend in His cause.
In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 271:
"If you disclose your charitable expenditures, that is good. But if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you and will remove from you some of your sins."
This verse teaches that giving charity secretly is more virtuous as it is more sincere and preserves the dignity of the recipient. However, giving openly is also permissible if it encourages others to be charitable as well.
"Take from their wealth a charity to cleanse them and purify them thereby."
This verse establishes that sadaqah not only benefits the recipient but also cleanses and purifies the giver from stinginess, greed, and excessive attachment to worldly possessions. The Office of the Mufti of the Federal Territory frequently references this verse in rulings related to wealth obligations.
"And whatever you spend in good, He will replace it. He is the Best of Providers."
This verse provides a direct guarantee - what we give in charity will never be lost. Allah promises to replace every sen spent in His path. This aligns with the concept that charity does not diminish wealth, but rather increases it.
"Indeed, the men who give sadaqah and the women who give sadaqah, and have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a generous reward."
Notice how Allah uses the term "loaning to Allah" - as if every act of charity is a loan that will certainly be returned with far greater multiplication.
"O you who believe! Spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. Do not aim toward the defective to spend from it."
This verse emphasises that charity must come from wealth that is halal and good. Do not give away damaged, expired, or unwanted items. Give the best, or at least what is equivalent to what you keep for yourself.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) extensively explained the virtues and diversity of sadaqah through hadiths narrated by the companions. Here are the key sahih hadith references.
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Charity does not decrease wealth. Allah does not increase a servant who pardons except in honour. And no one humbles himself for Allah's sake except that Allah raises him."
- Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2588
This hadith dispels the common fear that giving charity will reduce one's wealth. The Prophet clearly stated that charity only adds, never subtracts.
"The upper hand (the one that gives) is better than the lower hand (the one that takes). Start with those who are your dependents."
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1427; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1034
This hadith teaches two important lessons: first, giving is more noble than asking. Second, the priority of charity begins with your closest family - spouse, children, parents - before others.
"Seven will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His: ... and a person who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given."
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1423; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1031
This hadith emphasises how highly Allah regards those who give charity in secret - guaranteed shade on the Day of Judgement.
"Charity extinguishes sin just as water extinguishes fire."
- Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 614 (Hasan Sahih)
A powerful comparison - just as water completely puts out fire, charity thoroughly erases minor sins.
"Your smile to your brother is charity. Commanding good and forbidding evil is charity. Showing the way to one who is lost is charity. Removing a thorn, bone, or stone from the path is charity. Pouring from your bucket into your brother's bucket is charity."
- Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1956 (Hasan Gharib)
This hadith opens our eyes to the fact that charity is not solely about money. A smile, small acts of help, and daily kindness - all count as charity in the sight of Allah.
"Every joint of a person must perform a charity each day: reconciling between two people is charity. Helping a person onto their mount or lifting their luggage onto it is charity. A good word is charity. Every step you take towards prayer is charity. Removing something harmful from the path is charity."
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2989; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1009
Consider this - the human body has 360 joints, and each one "owes" charity every day. This shows how Islam encourages good deeds to become a daily routine, not just an occasional practice.
Many people confuse these three terms. While all three relate to spending wealth, there are important distinctions to understand.
Zakat is an individual obligation (fardhu ain) for every Muslim who meets the requirements (reaching nisab and haul). It has a fixed rate (2.5% for money and gold), designated recipients (8 asnaf), and is the fourth pillar of Islam. Failing to pay zakat is a major sin.
You can read more about zakat on shares in Malaysia and calculating zakat on ASB investments on this site.
Infaq (إنفاق) means spending wealth in the way of Allah in general. It is broader than zakat as it is not bound to a fixed rate and can be given to anyone (not limited to the 8 asnaf). Infaq can be obligatory (such as providing for one's family) or voluntary.
Imam An-Nawawi explained that infaq refers to the act of spending wealth, while sadaqah refers to the intention and motivation behind the giving. A single act can be both simultaneously - when someone spends their wealth (infaq) with the intention of proving their faith (sadaqah).
Read also: What Is Infaq? Evidence from the Quran and Sunnah
Sadaqah is the broadest concept. It encompasses giving wealth but also includes non-monetary good deeds - such as smiling, helping others, speaking kind words, and removing obstacles from the path. Sadaqah is always voluntary.
| Aspect | Zakat | Infaq | Sadaqah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruling | Obligatory (pillar of Islam) | Obligatory & voluntary | Voluntary |
| Rate | Fixed (2.5%, etc.) | No fixed rate | No fixed rate |
| Recipients | 8 asnaf only | Anyone | Anyone |
| Form | Wealth only | Wealth only | Wealth & non-wealth |
| Timing | When haul & nisab are met | Anytime | Anytime |
Ibn Taymiyyah affirmed that every zakat is sadaqah, but not every sadaqah is zakat. He explained that the term sadaqah in the Quran sometimes refers to obligatory zakat (as in Surah At-Tawbah verse 60), and sometimes refers to voluntary giving - depending on the context of the verse.
Scholars categorise sadaqah into two main types based on the Prophet's hadiths.
Based on the hadiths mentioned above, non-material charity includes:
An-Nawawi stated that Allah made sadaqah so broad in its forms so that every Muslim - rich or poor - can give charity. Those without wealth can still give sadaqah through good deeds, smiles, or prayers.
Islam not only encourages charity but also sets certain etiquettes to ensure sadaqah is accepted and earns full reward.
Charity must be done purely for Allah's sake, not for showing off (riya') or gaining praise from people. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 264:
"O you who believe, do not invalidate your charity with reminders of your generosity or with injury."
The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Allah is good and does not accept except what is good." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1015). Charity from haram money or unlawful goods is not accepted by Allah.
Reminding someone of charity given can nullify its reward. This includes telling others to boast, or reminding the recipient about the help that was given.
Start charity with your closest family - parents, siblings, neighbours - before giving to those who are far away. The Prophet (PBUH) said that charity to relatives earns a double reward: the reward of charity and the reward of maintaining family ties.
Among the most special forms of charity is sadaqah jariyah - charity whose reward continues even after the giver has passed away. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"When a person dies, all their deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for them."
- Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1631
Examples of sadaqah jariyah in the modern context:
What is the main difference between sadaqah and infaq?
Infaq refers to the act of spending wealth in Allah's path, while sadaqah is broader - encompassing both wealth-based giving AND non-monetary good deeds like smiling, advising, and making dua. Sadaqah also emphasises the aspect of proving the sincerity of one's faith.
Can we give sadaqah to non-Muslims?
Yes, the majority of scholars including An-Nawawi and Ibn Qudamah permit voluntary sadaqah to non-Muslims, based on the general evidence from the Quran. However, zakat has stricter requirements regarding its recipients.
What is the minimum amount for sadaqah in Islam?
There is no minimum amount. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Protect yourselves from the Fire even if it is with half a date." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1417). Even a smile counts as charity.
Is sadaqah only about giving money?
No. Based on hadith, sadaqah includes smiling, kind words, removing obstacles from the path, helping others, reconciling disputes, and much more. Islam made charity so broad that everyone can participate.
When is the best time to give sadaqah?
Charity can be given at any time. However, certain times are more virtuous such as the month of Ramadan, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, Fridays, and during times of hardship or disaster.
Can sadaqah ward off calamities?
Yes, based on the hadith: "Charity extinguishes the Lord's anger and prevents an evil death." (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 664). Scholars explain this means charity can be a means for Allah to avert misfortune.
How can we ensure our sadaqah is accepted by Allah?
Three main conditions: sincere intention for Allah's sake, halal wealth, and not reminding or boasting about it. Additionally, charity to those who truly need it carries greater reward.
What is sadaqah jariyah?
Sadaqah jariyah is charity whose benefit continues - such as building a mosque, sponsoring education, or writing beneficial knowledge. Its reward keeps flowing even after the giver has passed away.
Sadaqah in Islam is not merely about giving money - it is a manifestation of true faith that encompasses every good deed. With clear evidence from the Quran and sahih hadith, every Muslim is encouraged to make sadaqah a daily practice, whether in the form of wealth or non-material acts of kindness.
Understanding the concept of provision (rizq) in the Quran and its relationship with sadaqah will help us become more confident that what we spend in Allah's path will never go to waste.
If you want to start investing as a means to grow your wealth for charitable giving, the first step is to have the right investment account.
Open a CDS account to start investing on Bursa Malaysia as well as international stocks including the US and Hong Kong markets through this link.
Also download the Free Stock Market Basics Ebook to understand the fundamentals of investing before you begin.