Islam is a religion that’s deeply rooted in charitable practices, meaning that there are various types of charity within the faith. Some of these types of charity are compulsory, whereas others are voluntary. Sadaqah and Lillah are both voluntary types of Islamic charity, but there are some differences between the two.
So, what is the Sadaqah and Lillah difference? Muslim Aid is here to help you make the distinction.
Before we go on to discuss the differences between Sadaqah and Lillah, let’s first establish a working definition for each.
As previously mentioned, Sadaqah is a type of voluntary charity, and the beauty of Sadaqah is that it doesn’t need to be given in a monetary form. Sadaqah can simply be an act of kindness that’s carried out without the expectation of anything in return. As a result, something as simple as helping an older adult cross the road is deemed Sadaqah. Since Sadaqah doesn’t need to involve money in any way, it’s one of the most accessible forms of charity. No matter someone’s financial standing, they can carry out Sadaqah and reap the rewards from doing so.
We know that Lillah is another type of voluntary charity. Typically speaking, a Lillah donation is given to an institution to contribute towards the betterment of others. Mosques, hospitals, and children’s homes are just some of the places that might receive a Lillah donation. The direct translation of Lillah is “For Allah (SWT)”, highlighting how Lillah donations are made in the name of Allah (SWT).
Charitable giving is central to Islam, meaning everyone should invest their time in giving for the sake of giving. Doing so will help those in need, but it will also benefit the person performing the good deed. For instance, acting kindly and generously allows you to improve your mental well-being, and this is without mentioning the rewards that Allah (SWT) will bless you with. The Qur’an often references charity, teaching Muslims that Allah’s (SWT) mercy grows with every act of kindness.
The whole notion of Sadaqah revolves around selfless acts of kindness, meaning that the possibilities are endless. That said, some of the most common types of Sadaqah are as follows:
Lillah is essential for bringing hope and assistance to some of the most desperate members of society. It can lift people in need from the most devastating circumstances, all while providing the giver with the opportunity to reap rewards. These rewards might present themselves in moral or religious ways.
Since Lillah usually describes money that’s donated to an institution to better the lives of others, it may take shape in the following ways:
So, Sadaqah vs Lillah – what sets them apart from one another?
Generally speaking, there are fewer rules about Sadaqah than there are about Lillah. Sadaqah is quite simple since it can be any act of kindness without the expectation of anything in return. While Lillah also comes from a place of kindness and generosity, it typically takes the shape of a monetary donation. What’s more, this monetary donation is usually given to an institution for the betterment of others. So, all acts of Lillah can also be deemed acts of Sadaqah, but not all acts of Sadaqah can be deemed Lillah.
While Sadaqah and Lillah are slightly different from one another, this isn’t to say that they aren’t equally important. To be considered a good Muslim, you’re encouraged to engage in voluntary charity, and this can take the shape of either Sadaqah or Lillah.
Here at Muslim Aid, we have a specific Sadaqah appeal page. We use the donations from this appeal to reach those who need it most globally, meaning your Sadaqah donations have the power to save lives.
We also have a number of appeal pages that would qualify as Lillah, so be sure to take a look through them to find a cause that’s close to your heart.
Muslim Aid operates across Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Myanmar, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Sudan, allowing you to make a global impact with your Sadaqah and Lillah donations.
So, what are you waiting for? Donate today and create a life-changing impact for someone in need.
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.
© Copyright 2024. Muslim AidMuslim Aid - Help Muslims Around the World in Need . All Rights Reserved.
Charity CIO No. 1176462
Serving humanity since 1985.
