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Types of Charity (Sadaqah) in Islam

Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Every Muslim has to give in Sadaqah (charity).” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (PBUH)! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” Prophet (PBUH) said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot do even that?” He replied, “Then he should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He replied, “Then he should perform all that is good and keep away from all that is evil and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.”

(Bukhari Vol. 2, Hadith 524)

Contrary to popular belief, donating to charity doesn’t just have to involve the process of giving money. Of course, monetary donations are always gratefully received, but there are many other ways in which you can give to enable charities (Sadaqah) to help as many people in need as possible.

“Those who spend their wealth [in Allah ‘s way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

Quran (2:274)

Types Of Sadaqah Each And Every Muslim Should Practice

1. Monetary Donations:

Money donation is Sadaqah

The classic method of giving to charity, monetary donations form the bulk of aid for charities. With your generous support, we can direct your money straight to the people who need it most. Whether it is one of our emergency appeals, an ongoing campaign, or Ramadan donations, you can rest assured in the knowledge that your generosity is going directly to vulnerable people around the world.

2. Help orphans

Helping orphans is Sadaqah

Prophet Muhammed (saw) said:

‘Blessed is the wealth of the Muslim, from which he gives to the poor, the orphan and the wayfarer.’

(Muslim)

3. Spending on your family

Spending on your family, from a halal income, even if that be a morsel of food, with the intention of seeking Allah swt’s reward, counts as a charity for you.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah’s reward it is regarded as Sadaqa for him.”

(Bukhari 5351)

4. Give water to the needy

Just offering a drink to someone, is written as charity for the one who does it.

Sad bin Ubadah said:”I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what charity is best?’ He said: ‘Giving water to drink.’”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 3684)

5. To Smile

Give charity by sharing some of your happiness, just a simple, bright smile

6. Tasbeeh (Dhikr)

The Prophet said: “Has not Allah made things for you to give in charity? Truly, each Tasbeehah (saying Subhaana Allah, i.e. glory be to Allah) is a charity, each Takbeerah (saying Allahu Akbar, i.e. Allah is the Greatest) is a charity, and each Tahmeedah (saying Al-Hamdu lillah, i.e. All praise is due to Allah) is a charity, and each Tahleelah (saying Laa Ilaaha illa Allah, i.e. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah) is a charity,…….”

(Muslim)

7. Plant a tree

Every tree a Muslim plants is rewarded as charity

According to Hadrat Anas b.Malik(Radiyallahu anhu):

“The Messenger of Allah said: ‘It is a charitable donation when a Muslim plants a tree or grows crops and the birds, humans or cattle eat from it.’“

(Al-Bukhari in al-Sahih,2:817 Hadith #2195; Muslim in al-Sahih,3:1189 Hadith #1553)

8. Helping

The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said: “Every Muslim has to give sadaqah.” The people asked: “O Prophet of Allah, what about the one who has nothing?” He said: “He should work with his hands to give sadaqah.” They asked: “If he cannot find [work]?” He replied: “He should help the needy who asks for help…….”

(Fiqh-us0Sunnah, Volumne 3, Page 98)

9. Removing harmful things from the road

“On the authority of Abu Huraira who said that the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) said,

“Every small bone of everyone has upon it a charitable act for everyday upon which the sun rises. Bringing about justice between two is an act of charity. Helping a man get on his mount, lifting him onto it or helping him put his belongings onto it, is a charitable act. A good word is a charitable act. Every step you take toward the prayer is a charitable act. And removing a harmful thing from the path is a charitable act.”

(Bukhari and Muslim)