Sadaqah is a type of voluntary charity in Islam, and Muslims are widely encouraged to carry out these charitable acts as much as they can. As a result, there are a number of hadith about giving Sadaqah to remind Muslims of the importance of acting with kindness and generosity.
As previously mentioned, Sadaqah is a voluntary mode of charity in Islam. Unlike many other types of charity, Sadaqah is unique because it doesn’t have to come in the form of monetary donations. Instead, Sadaqah is simply an act of kindness that’s carried out without the expectation of anything in return. Therefore, it could be something as simple as smiling at a stranger or something as substantial as sponsoring a family in need.
Hadith are Islamic traditions that stem from the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They include accounts of his daily practice (the Sunnah), meaning many Muslims take guidance from these.
There are many Hadith relating to Sadaqah, so if a person wants to live their life in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), they must engage with Sadaqah frequently.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is very clear about the fact that Sadaqah is extremely beneficial for all involved. He states that it doesn’t decrease the wealth of the giver, as they’re humbled by the experience, and this is honourable in the eyes of Allah (SWT). As a result, partaking in Sadaqah allows a person to elevate their standing:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status."
— Sahih Muslim 2588
Sadaqah Jariyah is also a type of voluntary charity; however, it needs to have a lasting impact. As a result, many Muslims choose to give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of the deceased so that they can continue to reap the rewards in the Hereafter. In the following Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) describes how a person can continue to do good deeds even once they have passed:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)."
— Sahih Muslim 1631
It’s a Muslim’s duty to honour their parents, and one way to do this is by giving Sadaqah Jariyah in their names. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recounts the impact of giving Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of their parents once they have passed:
A man came to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and asked: "O Messenger of Allah, is there any way of honouring my parents after their death?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: "Yes, by praying for them, asking forgiveness for them, fulfilling their promises after them, maintaining ties with those who are close to them, and honouring their friends."
— Sunan Abi Dawud 5142
If you want to protect yourself from hardship, then acts of charity are the way forward. Allah (SWT) blesses those who are charitable, meaning Sadaqah is very important for protecting your well-being:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity."
— Al-Tirmidhi 589
Everyone should have access to clean water; however, the sad truth is that 26% of the global population goes without safe drinking water. Without water, we simply can’t survive, meaning providing water is lifesaving. It’s for this reason that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) deems providing water the best charity:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked: "Which charity is best?"
He replied: "Providing water."
— Sunan Ibn Majah 3684
Here at Muslim Aid, we accept your Sadaqah donations, allowing you to use your kindness to make the world a better place. Our Sadaqah Appeal works to help various types of people, and we will ensure that your donation goes towards the likes of:
With as little as £60, you could provide a whole family with essential food for an entire month. Meanwhile, £750 could provide an essential survival package containing food, water, shelter, and medicine. No matter the size of your donation, it has the power to change lives. So, please follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and give what you can to our Sadaqah Appeal today.
We are a faith-based British international charity that provides help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, homelessness, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities.
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