There are many types of sadaqah (charity). Some is obligatory, which is zakat, and some is voluntary. Voluntary charity can be given with money, or without money, such as a kind word or removing harm from the road. There is also ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), whose reward continues after death, and secret charity. According to Islamweb, the greatest in reward includes charity that meets the most pressing need, charity to relatives, and providing water.
- Charity is not limited to money; every good deed can be charity.
- Charity to a relative is both charity and maintaining kinship ties, so its reward is doubled.
- Small charity given sincerely is great: “Protect yourselves from the Fire, even with half a date” (Al-Bukhari).
What are the types of sadaqah?
1. Zakat: obligatory charity
Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam. As an Islamweb fatwa notes, sadaqah is originally what is given voluntarily, while zakat is what is given obligatorily. Zakat is due on specific kinds of wealth and goes to the eight categories named in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60).
2. Voluntary charity with money
Anything you give from your wealth voluntarily: food, clothing, medical care, or a contribution to a charitable project. The amount does not have to be large.
3. Charity without money
The forms of charity are not limited to giving money. The Prophet ﷺ said: “In every morning, charity is due on every joint of anyone of you” (Muslim), and listed glorifying Allah, enjoining good and forbidding evil as charity. Helping someone with his load, a kind word, and removing harm from the road are charity too. You can also give your time through Qatar Charity’s volunteering platform, Ezdehar (in Arabic).
4. Ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah)
Charity whose asset remains and whose benefit is renewed, so its reward reaches you after death. The charity whose benefit remains after death is the waqf (endowment), such as building a mosque or digging a well. See 7 Sadaqah Jariyah Projects Whose Reward Continues After Death.
5. Secret charity
Among the seven whom Allah will shade on the Day of Resurrection is a man who gives charity and conceals it, so that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Concealing charity protects sincerity and is better than giving it openly.
Which type of sadaqah is best?
- Charity that meets the most pressing need: helping someone in need or distress earns a greater reward.
- Charity to relatives: voluntary charity is best given to relatives in need, because it is both charity and maintaining kinship ties.
- Providing water: Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah asked: “What kind of charity is best?” The Prophet ﷺ said: “Providing drinking water” (Ahmad and others; Islamweb).
- Charity while you are healthy and value your money: the Prophet ﷺ described it as the best charity (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
- Secret charity: better than open charity, because it protects sincerity.
How do you choose the right type of sadaqah?
- Pay zakat first if it is due on you; it is obligatory.
- Start with your closest relatives if they are in need.
- If you want a reward that continues after death, choose ongoing charity.
- If you have no money, give your time, effort and kind words.
- Conceal your charity where you can, and never belittle a small amount.
Types of sadaqah: short rulings
What are the types of sadaqah?
Obligatory zakat, voluntary charity with money, charity without money, ongoing charity, and secret charity.
Which sadaqah is best?
Charity that meets the most pressing need, then charity to relatives, which is both charity and kinship; providing water is among the best.
Can sadaqah be given without money?
Yes. Glorifying Allah, enjoining good, a kind word and removing harm from the road are all charity.
What is the difference between zakat and sadaqah?
Zakat is obligatory on specific wealth for specific recipients; voluntary sadaqah is recommended in any amount and for any good cause.
Is a small charity accepted?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Protect yourselves from the Fire, even with half a date.”
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