Giving charity voluntarily for the cause of Allah (swt) God.
Sadaqah can also mean smiling at people and sharing love and compassion to others. It does not have to be monetary.
While Zakat is an obligatory charity due from every Muslim on a yearly basis, Sadaqah is an entirely voluntary charity which can be performed at any time of year, and any amount can be given.
A number of sayings of the Prophet (SAW) emphasise the benefits of giving Sadaqah.
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” [Tirmidhi] (meaning Hell fire)
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection (Day of Judgement) will be his charity.” [Tirmidhi]
Sadaqah Jariyah
An important concept within Islam is the idea of Sadaqah Jariyah – an ‘ongoing charity’.
The Prophet (SAW) said:
“When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them.” [Muslim]
Any charity which continues to have positive effects on a community in the long-term, beyond immediate relief, can be considered a Sadaqah Jariyah: building homes, schools and hospitals; installing durable water systems; turning an area of land into a farm which continues to give crops for years to come; helping a poor family start a business which continues generating profit for future generations…
Qurbani means sacrifice. Every year during the Islamic calendar month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God. The Qurbani is an obligation on everyone who pay the Zakat.