Sadaqat
Sadaqat, meaning ‘charity’, is the concept of voluntary giving in Islam described in the Holy Qur’an as ‘a beautiful loan’, sadaqah encompasses any act of charitable giving done out of compassion, love, friendship or generosity. It can be given to anyone, and it has no limits or guidelines.
“They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -Allah knoweth it well”. Q2 vs 215
“Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve”. Q2 vs 274
“O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allaah is Rich (Free of all needs), and Worthy of all praise” [al-Baqarah Q2:267]
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah said: ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5073; Muslim, 993.
EXAMPLES OF SADAQAT
Qardan Hassan – Good / Benevolent loan to Allah;
- Hibah – Free gift;
- Wasiyah – Will gift;
- Tabaruat – Donations;
- It’amu ta’am – Feeding the hungry ones
- Iftar Saim – Feeding the fasting Muslims;
- General Sadaqat
N/B: Sadaqat does not have measure or time frame. The more one engage in it, the more the reward.