At the end of each day, do you reflect on your state of Imaan? Have you drawn any closer to your Rabb? Or, are you caught up in the glimmer of Dunya and forgot that you have to return?
It is human nature to forget. But if the forgetfulness lasts long, it may bring doom. You get so involved in Satanic desires that you forget why you were sent here, in the first place.
Fortunately for the Muslims, we have hundreds of ways to cope with these devilish instincts. You may know of some ways like Recitation of the Quran and Salah. But today, we will highlight the importance of Sadaqah (voluntary charity). It is something we often ignore yet this is what’s going to rescue us from the Hellfire.
What is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is derived from the Arabic root word Sadq (truth). The literal meaning of this word is to spend from one’s possessions and abilities in the way of Allah (SWT). It is an important constituent of a Muslim’s faith as it helps him/her draw closer to their Rabb.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good – those will have the good consequence of [this] home.” [Quran, 13: 22]
It is important to acknowledge the difference between Zakah and Sadaqah.
- Zakah is the third pillar of faith. It binds a Muslim to pay out a standard proportion of the supplementary wealth and property to the poor and needy people in the community.
- Sadaqah is something that everyone can give out. You can spend your skills, blessings, and money to help out those in need for it. This is something that people of every social status can perform.
Unlike Zakah, Sadaqah has no fixed amount. You can donate anything that is within your capacity.
Types of Sadaqah
There are three types of Sadaqah:
- Sadaqah in the way of Allah (Sadaqah Lillah)
- Continuous Goodness (Sadaqah Jaariyah)
- Donated Assets (Waqf)
Every good thing that a person shares to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) is counted as Sadaqah. Even if it is as little as a date, it can be given as a Sadaqah. Allah (SWT) will reward a person for the intention and effort that he/she makes to give Sadaqah. Besides this, it is mentioned in a Hadith of Holy Prophet (PBUH) that smiling towards your Muslim brethren is also a Sadaqah. This is an act that promotes friendliness and assures safety from a Muslim brother to his fellows.
The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
“To smile in the company of your brother is charity…” (Bukhari)
Rules of Sadaqah
There are some regulations one must follow when giving out in charity. These include:
- Spending sincerely to seek Allah’s pleasure, not praises from other humans around
- One must have Halal earnings when he/she gives Sadaqah
- Do not keep account of Sadaqah
- Do not remind or mock people after you have given Sadaqah to them
- Make sure you do not announce what you give, keep it hidden
- Always be ready to do Sadaqah
Benefits of Sadaqah
Allah (SWT) highly values every ounce of effort you put in to spend in His way. It is an investment that will help you to exit the shackles of Hellfire on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) once said:
“Charity extinguishes sin just as water extinguishes fire.” (Bukhari)
Allah (SWT) promises to His Believing servants that whatever they spend will not be lost. They will find rewards for it eventually in this Dunya and in the Hereafter, as well. It may seem like you are running out of money, but human sight cannot perceive what The Creator decides. He has promised in the Quran that He will multiply the rewards of charity by at least 700 times.
“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 His reward for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and all-Knowing.” (Qur’an, 2:261)
So, my dear Muslim brothers and sisters, whatever you spend from time, money, and resources, you will definitely get better returns for it. Let’s hope and pray that we meet and rejoice in JANNAH!
