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Charity (Sadaqah) as a Way to Ease Hardship

Sadaqah is not just a noble act in Islam — it is a powerful spiritual tool to relieve distress, ease hardships and invite barakah (blessing) into one’s life. The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize over and over how charity can protect, purify, and uplift the believer — both in this world and the next.

1. Sadaqah Erases Sins and Multiplies Rewards

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allāh is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allāh multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allāh is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)

This ayah shows how a single act of charity can be multiplied — especially when given sincerely and for the sake of Allah.

2. Charity Removes Hardship and Brings Ease

“Who is it that would loan Allāh a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allāh who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:245)

Giving in charity is described as giving a loan to Allah — who promises to repay it in abundance.

3. Charity Protects Your Wealth

And whatever you give for interest [i.e., advantage] to increase within the wealth of people will not increase with Allāh. But what you give in zakāh, desiring the face [i.e., approval] of Allāh – those are the multipliers.

— Surah Ar-Rum (30:39)

4. Sadaqah Extinguishes Sins and Calamities

It was narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood, and charity extinguishes bad deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is a shield against the Fire.”

— [Sunan Ibn Majah 4210]

In another narration:

“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”

— [Mishkat al-Masabih 1887]

Sadaqah acts as a shield against hardship, illness, and unseen misfortunes. Many scholars highlight this as a way to protect oneself from unexpected trials.

5. Sadaqah Does Not Decrease Wealth

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

“Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.”

— [Sahih Muslim, 2588]

Even if your bank balance goes down, the barakah (blessing) increases — sometimes in health, family, or unexpected provisions.

Conclusion: Give Sadaqah to Ease Your Own Burden

When we are going through hardship — be it financial, emotional, or spiritual — the last thing we may think of is giving. Yet, Islam teaches the opposite. Even a small act of charity, done with sincerity, can open doors of ease and mercy.

So whether you’re struggling with debt, illness, anxiety, or grief — give. Help someone else in need, and watch how Allah helps you in return.

“..And whoever relives the burden from a destitute person, Allah will relieve him in this world and the next. Allah will help His slave so long as His slave helps his brother…”

— [Sunan Ibn Majah 225]