‘Sadaqah’ means voluntary charity.
In the earlier history of Islam, ‘Zakah’ was discussed while using the word Sadaqah. Even the Zakah collector and distributor was called ‘Musaddiq.’
But Sadaqah was later used to mean only voluntary charitable acts.
The root of the word Sadaqah is ‘Sidq,’ which means realisation of truthfulness declared by action.
One affirms truthfulness through words, thoughts and actions on an individual and social level. It is the essence and sprit of action and the true standard of straightforwardness in thought, distinguishing believers from hypocrites, and the ‘People of Paradise’ from the ‘People of Fire.’
The Holy Quran associates giving charity with affirmation of faith and withholding with rejection of faith.
“So, he who gives in charity and fears God and in all sincerity testifies to the best. We will indeed make smooth for him the path to bliss, but the one who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient and gives lies to the best, we will make smooth for him the path to misery.” (92:5-10)
True blessings
Sadaqah is a virtuous deed in Islam and considered a proof of one’s faith (Iman). Abu Malik Al Ashari has quoted Allah’s Messenger Mohammed the Prophet as saying, “Cleanliness is half of faith. ‘Alhamdulillah’ (Praise be to Allah) and ‘Subhan Allah’ (Glory to Allah) fill up the gap between Heaven and Earth. Prayer is a light. Charity is proof (of one’s faith). Endurance is brightness and the Holy Quran is proof on your behalf or against you.”
The more we give in Sadaqah, the more we increase our iman and thus expect Allah’s rewards in this world and in the next. Giving charity out of our wealth does not decrease our wealth but instead Allah increases it, as shown in the following ‘ayats’ and ‘hadiths.’
“Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: for He loves not creatures ungrateful and wicked.” (Quran 2: 276)
“That which you give in usury for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah: but that which you give for charity, seeking the countenance of Allah, (will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.” (Quran 30:39)
Types of Sadaqah
Sadaqah is not restricted to giving part of our wealth, material possessions or any special deed of righteousness. Islam considers all good deeds to be Sadaqah that increases our iman. Since Sadaqah is not limited to giving of money or part of our wealth, every Muslim can earn rewards from Allah.
Every Muslim, whether poor or rich, can give Sadaqah at any time. The Prophet tells us that ‘Dhikr’ (remembrance of Allah) is a form of Sadaqah.
“Allah has prepared forgiveness and great reward for true, devout, patient Muslim men and women, who engage in charity, guard their chastity and engage in His remembrance (Quran 33:35).”
The above quote is an edited version.
Source: Source: ‘Rocket Science,’ Mt Albert Islamic Trust
