Giving Sadaqah in Islam has many benefits and is also one of the best ways to show our generosity and selflessness. One of the best ways of giving sadaqah is by helping others without expecting anything in return.
What is Sadaqah in Islam?
Sadaqah is the practice of voluntary giving, aimed at pleasing Allah SWT. This charitable act can go beyond financial donations and include various forms of support and goodwill. Rooted in generosity and faith, sadaqah shows up in many ways, making it a flexible and wide-reaching way to support others.
Remember that giving sadaqah in Islam has a lasting impact on your life. Allah SWT rewards you in ways you may not anticipate. It also builds discipline and self-control in you and encourages you to be responsible and manage your resources in a better way.
ءَامِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَأَنفِقُوا۟ مِمَّا جَعَلَكُم مُّسْتَخْلَفِينَ فِيهِ ۖ فَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنكُمْ وَأَنفَقُوا۟ لَهُمْ أَجْرٌۭ كَبِيرٌۭ ٧
“Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and donate from what He has entrusted you with. So those of you who believe and donate will have a mighty reward.” (al-Hadeed 57:7)
Purifying the Soul Through Sadaqah
One of the main benefits of giving sadaqah in Islam is the ability to purify your soul. It helps to increase your faith and devotion to Allah SWT. When you are giving sadaqah with the right intention, then it shows your act of submission and obedience to Allah SWT’s command.
Prophet Muhammad SAW was very generous to those in need. That’s why He SAW gave charity regularly.
ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ سِرًّۭا وَعَلَانِيَةًۭ فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ ٢٧٤
Those who spend their wealth in charity day and night, secretly and openly—their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” (al Baqarah 2:274)
Purifying Wealth Through Sadaqah
By giving sadaqah in Islam, you not only purify your wealth but also your intentions and actions. Giving selflessly helps you detach from the love of material possessions and focuses your attention on the well-being of others. This act of generosity serves as a means to cleanse your wealth from any trace of greed or selfishness, instilling a sense of gratitude and contentment with what you have.
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.”
[Hadith, Tirmidhi]
Forgiveness of Allah SWT
When you offer sadaqah in Islam, sincerely seeking only the pleasure of Allah SWT, it becomes a means of seeking His forgiveness.
Your act of charity demonstrates humility and a willingness to share blessings with others, reflecting the mercy and forgiveness you hope to receive from the Most Merciful. Through sadaqah, you open the doors to divine forgiveness and compassion, paving the way for spiritual growth and closeness to Allah SWT.
Expression of Belief Through Sadaqah In Islam
Each act of giving reflects a deep-rooted conviction in the teachings of Islam, translating beliefs into tangible deeds of kindness and compassion. Sadaqah becomes a way to live what we believe. For example –
When a person donates a portion of their earnings to support a local charity, they are expressing their belief through sadaqah. This act of giving showcases their belief in action, turning their belief in helping others into a tangible gesture of kindness and compassion.
Giving charity is the best way to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW.
“Even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds).”
[Muslim 2308a]
Physical Benefits of Sadaqah in Islam
Giving sadaqah in Islam, not only benefits the soul and the person who receives it but, also brings about physical advantages.
The act of giving can lead to a sense of inner peace and contentment, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, sadaqah often brings a sense of community and social cohesion, creating a supportive environment that can positively impact one’s physical health.
Through acts of charity, people may experience improved mental health, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of fulfilment, contributing to their holistic well-being.
Every good deed has a reward in Islam. Giving charity is highly rewarded and brings you closer to Allah SWT. Allah SWT always fulfilled his promise to give great rewards for charity. In the Quran, Allah says
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ٢٦١
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing..” (al-Baqarah 2:261)
Conclusion
During the blessed month of Ramadan, giving sadaqah in Islam holds so much importance, as highlighted in the above verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261).
This verse emphasises the abundant rewards and blessings bestowed upon those who generously give in the way of Allah. As we participate in acts of charity during this holy month, may we remember the promise of multiplied rewards and the spiritual significance of sadaqah.
Let our giving be a reflection of our faith, a source of blessings, and a means of drawing closer to Allah SWT.