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{{Short description|Charity in Islam}}
{{Redirect|Sadaka|the cicada genus|Sadaka (cicada){{!}}''Sadaka'' (cicada)|charity in Judaism|Ṣedaqah{{!}}''Ṣedaqah''}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Fiqh |economic}}
'''''{{Transliteration|ar|DIN|Ṣadaqah}}''''' ({{langx|ar|صدقة}} {{IPA|ar|ˈsˤɑdæqɑ|}},{{ref|A|*}} "charity", "benevolence",<ref name="Ibrahim"/> plural {{Transliteration|ar|DIN|ṣadaqāt}} {{lang|ar|صدقات}} {{IPA|ar|sˤɑdæˈqɑːt|}}) in the modern-day Islamic context has come to signify "voluntary [[Charity (practice)|charity]]".<ref name=FNPI>{{cite book|first=Mohammed|last=Abu-Nimer|chapter=Framework for Nonviolence and Peacebuilding in Islam|editor-last1=Said|editor-first1=Abdul Aziz|editor-last2=Abu-Nimer|editor-first2=Mohammed|editor-last3=Sharify-Funk|editor-first3=Meena|title=Contemporary Islam: Dynamic, Not Static|publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2006|isbn=9780415770118|page=145|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i0GUAgAAQBAJ|url-access=limited}}</ref> Unlike [[zakat]], which is a obligatory form of [[almsgiving]] and one of the [[five pillars of Islam]], ''ṣadaqah'' is a voluntary offering whose amount and nature are determined solely by the benefactor, as emphasized in the Quran.<ref name="Tax">{{cite encyclopedia |last= Heck|first=Paul L.|encyclopedia= Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān|editor-first=Johanna|editor-last=Pink|title= Taxation|url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-the-quran/taxation-EQCOM_00199?s.num=4&s.q=Sadaqa|url-access=subscription |access-date= 29 November 2016|doi=10.1163/1875-3922_q3_EQCOM_00199 }}</ref>

According to the [[Quran]], the word means a voluntary offering, whose amount is at the will of the benefactor. It is similar to zakat, or compulsory giving, one of the five pillars of [[Islam]].

It is also a [[cognate]] of the [[Judaism|Jewish]] concept of [[tzedakah]], a Hebrew word that also refers to acts of voluntary giving.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ucalgary.ca/student-services/faith-spirituality/programs-services/tzedakah-sadaqah-community-service#:~:text=%22Tzedakah%22%20derives%20from%20Hebrew%20meaning,from%20the%20tradition%20of%20Islam.&text=The%202020-2021%20school%20year,it%20is%20also%20incredibly%20unique | title=Tzedakah-Sadaqah: Community Service }}</ref>

==Etymology and meaning==
{{Transliteration|ar|Sadaqah}} literally means "righteousness" and refers to the voluntary giving of alms or charity.{{r|FNPI}} In Islamic terminology, {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqah}} has been defined as an act of "giving something... without seeking a substitute in return and with the intention of pleasing Allah."<ref name=WSC>{{cite web|url=https://www.islamweb.net/en/fatwa/84354/|title=What is Sadaqa (Charity)?|website=islamweb.net}}</ref> Meanwhile, according to [[Al-Raghib al-Isfahani|Ar-Rageeb al-Asfahaani]] “Sadaqa is what the person gives from what he possesses, like {{Transliteration|ar|Zakat}}, hoping to get closer to Allah."{{r|WSC}}

The term {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqah}} stems from the Arabic root word {{Transliteration|ar|sidq}} (''s-d-q'', {{lang|ar|ص د ق}}), which means "sincerity"; {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqah}} is considered a sign of sincere faith.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ikca.org.uk/get-involved/sadaqah-donations/|title =Please Give Sadaqah|website=Imran Khan Cancer Appeal}}</ref> The three-letter root of this word, ''s-d-q'', also means, "to speak the truth", "to be sincere", and "to fulfill one's promise". All of these aspects of honorable behavior indicate the links between generosity and a healthy society.<ref>{{cite book|first=Vincent J.|last=Cornell|title=Voices of Islam: Voices of tradition| year=2007}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{volume needed|issue=false|date=September 2023}}{{page needed|date=September 2023}}

Some modern researchers also etymologically link the word {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} to the Hebrew {{Script/Hebrew|צדקה}} {{Transliteration|he|[[Tzedakah|tzedāḳāh]]}} ("almsgiving"). Some experts hence conclude that {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} is a loanword.<ref name="Alms">{{cite encyclopedia |last= Nanji|first=Azim|encyclopedia= Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān|title= Almsgiving|url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-the-quran/almsgiving-EQCOM_00008?s.num=17|url-access=subscription |access-date= 29 November 2016 }}</ref>

Examples of {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqah}} include:{{citation needed|reason=|date=September 2023}}
* to administer justice between two people
* to remove harm from a road/removing thorns, bones and stones from paths
* to speak a good word
* to take a step towards [[Salah|prayer]]
* to guide the blind
* to support the weak with the strength of your arms
* to smile at others

==In Islamic texts==
===Quran===
[[File:Moskeo de Abu Bakr as-Siddik (Tjumeno) 04.jpg|thumb|Sadaqah box in Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque. [[Tyumen]], Russia. May 2023.]]

The word {{Transliteration|ar|zakah}} (meaning the obligatory {{Transliteration|ar|zakah}}) occurs 30 times in the [[Quran]]—27 times linked with prayer, three times not so-linked.{{Quran-usc|41|7}} The word {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqah}} (non-obligatory charity) and its plural ({{Transliteration|ar|sadaqat}}) occur 13 times in the Qur'an.<ref>{{cite book|first=Muhammad|last=Zulfiqar |title=Zakah According To Quran & Sunnah|publisher=Darussalam Publishers| year=2011}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>

"{{Transliteration|ar|Sadaqat}}" is used in the Quran to cover all kinds of charity. {{Transliteration|ar|Zakat}} has been called {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqat}} because it is also a kind of compulsory charity. It is an obligatory {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} while ordinary {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} are voluntary. Thus, {{Transliteration|ar|zakat}} has to be collected by the {{Transliteration|ar|muhtasib}} (collector) or the government (the Islamic state) as a compulsory levy.<ref>{{cite book|first=Mohammad|last= Maulana|title=Encyclopaedia Of Quranic Studies|volume=|publisher= Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd| year=2006}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{Volume needed|issue=false|date=September 2023}}{{page needed|date=September 2023}}

According to the Quran, {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} leads to the purification of the benefactor.<ref name="Tax" /> The Quran says that {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} does not need to be in a material form<ref name="Wiley">{{cite book|first=Azim|last=Nanji|chapter=''Zakat'': Faith and Giving in Muslim Contexts|editor-last1=Palmer|editor-first1=Michael D.|editor-last2=Burgess|editor-first2=Stanley M.|title=The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Religion and Social Justice|date=2012-04-30|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9781405195478|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=4W4fg2xZAOwC&pg=PA321 321]|language=en}}</ref> and can also be a "voluntary effort", or a kind word.{{Quran-usc|9|79}}<ref name="Alms"/> This is in agreement with a [[hadith|narration]] attributed to [[Muhammad]] which says "every good deed is a form of {{Transliteration|ar|sadaq}}."<ref name="Ibrahim" />

Kind words and compassion are deemed better than sadaqa accompanied by insult, from the viewpoint of the Quran. It is also preferable for donations to be offered discreetly to those in need rather than being done in public to seek acknowledgment. The Quran criticizes donations aimed at appearing generous and compromising the value of sadaqa through ostentatious public behavior, which renders a normally charitable act purely self-serving. The Quran suggests that sadaqa is not meant only to support the poor but can also be donated to others who may not be visibly in need, helping those who require assistance to enhance their lives or need guidance toward new jobs and economic opportunities.<ref name="Alms"/>

Among the many verses on {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqat}}, either voluntary or obligatory, are these: 
*And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).{{Quran-usc|2|43}}
*They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, Allah knoweth it well.{{Quran-usc|2|215}}
*Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-Forbearing.{{Quran-usc|2|263}}
*Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked.{{Quran-usc|2|276}}
*Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.{{Quran-usc|2|277}}
*So fear Allah as much as ye can; listen and obey and spend in charity for the benefit of your own soul and those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, they are the ones that achieve prosperity.{{Quran-usc|64|16}}

===Hadith===
According to some {{Transliteration|ar|[[ahadith]]}}, "a kind word and smile" can be considered as {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} and the best form of it is "passing on knowledge."<ref name="Ibrahim" /> Also, Muhammad said in a {{Transliteration|ar|hadith}} that {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} removes seventy gates of evil.<ref name="GUP">{{cite book|first=Th. Emil|last=Homerin|chapter=Altruism in Islam|editor-last1=Neusner|editor-first1=Jacob|editor-last2=Chilton|editor-first2=Bruce|title=Altruism in World Religions|date=2005-11-08|publisher=Georgetown University Press|isbn=1589012356|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Wy-6HiyApXsC&pg=PA77 77]|language=en}}</ref>

==Difference from {{Transliteration|ar|zakat}}==

The word {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} is interchangeably used with {{Transliteration|ar|[[zakat]]}} and {{Transliteration|ar|[[nafaqa]]}} in some contexts,<ref name="Tax"/> but while {{Transliteration|ar|zakat}} is obligatory, {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqa}} usually refers to voluntary donations.<ref name="Ibrahim">{{cite book|last1=Ibrahim|first1=Barbara|editor-last1=Ibrahim|editor-first1=Barbara|editor-last2=Sherif|editor-first2=Dina H.|title=From Charity to Social Change: Trends in Arab Philanthropy|year=2008|publisher=American Univ in Cairo Press|isbn=9789774162077|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=P3ahODkMBVAC&pg=PA5 5]|language=en}}</ref>

{{Transliteration|ar|Zakat}} is a required minimum contribution by Muslims in terms of money and property or goods that can help Muslims who need assistance, while {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqah}} can be in the form of money, deeds, property, or salutations.<ref>{{cite book|first=Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad|last= Rasdi |title=Rethinking the Mosque In the Modern Muslim Society|publisher=ITBM| year=2014 | page=155|isbn=978-967-430-387-7}}</ref>

The term {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqah}} was used in the Quran and Sunnah for both {{Transliteration|ar|zakat}} and charity. Among the differences between them is that in the case of {{Transliteration|ar|zakat}}, the amount is fixed, utilized according to that which has been stated by the Islamic Law, and paid only once a year. However charity has no fixed percentage and one is free to pay it as many times as one can afford or feel inclined to it.<ref>{{cite book|first= Mohammed|last= Higab |title=Islam is the All-divine Messages in One|volume=1|publisher=Islamic Publications Bureau| year=2008}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}{{Verify source|reason=|date=September 2023}}

==Categories of the entitled==
According to {{cite Quran|9|60|style=nosup}}, there are eight categories of people who are entitled to receive {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqah}} ({{Transliteration|ar|zakaat}}). They are: 
#The poor ({{Transliteration|ar|al-fuqarâ’}}), that is low-income.<ref>{{cite book|author= Mohammad Solaiman Mandal|title=Socioeconomic Development and Human Welfare: An Interdisciplinary Approach|publisher=Mohammad Solaiman Mandal| year=2009}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
#The needy people ({{Transliteration|ar|al-masākīn}}).<ref>{{cite book|first=Muhammad|last= Zulfiqar|title=Zakah According To Quran & Sunnah| year=201}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
#The officials appointed to receive {{Transliteration|ar|sadaqah}} ({{Transliteration|ar|zakat}} administrators).<ref>{{cite book|author= Zakât Foundation of America|title=The Zakat Handbook: A Practical Guide for Muslims in the West| year=2008}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
#Those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled to Islam ({{Transliteration|ar|al-mu'allafa qulubuhum}}).<ref>{{cite book|author= Subhash C. Inamdar|title=Muhammad and the Rise of Islam: The Creation of Group Identity| year=2009}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
#To free the slaves and captives.<ref name="Mirza Yawar Baig 2012">{{cite book|author=Mirza Yawar Baig |title=Leadership Lessons from the Life of Rasoolullah: Proven Techniques | year=2012}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
#Those who are overburdened with debt.<ref>{{cite book|author=Islamic Cultural Centre |title=The Islamic Quarterly, Volume 29 | year=2008}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
#In the cause of Allah to spread the message of Islam.<ref>{{cite book|author=Musharraf Hussain |title=The Five Pillars of Islam: Laying the Foundations of Divine Love and Service| year=2012}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
#To those who are wayfarers (travelers who do not have enough money to go back home).<ref name="Mirza Yawar Baig 2012"/>

==Significance==
===Social contribution===
* It enhances the well-being of the people in Islamic society.<ref>{{cite book|author=Mohammad Solaiman Mandal |title=Socioeconomic Development and Human Welfare: An Interdisciplinary| year=2009}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
* It helps in fulfilling the requirement of the poor Muslims.<ref name=Zeno>{{cite book|author= Muhammad bin Jamil Zeno|title=Pillars of Islam and Iman, and what Every Muslim Must Know about His Religion|publisher=Darussalam| year=1996}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
* It lightens the debt of the Muslim debtors.<ref name="Ahmed Ali Al-Kuwaity 2015">{{cite book|author=  Ahmed Ali Al-Kuwaity |title=The Beauty of Charity|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform| year= 2015}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
* It helps in taking care of those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to the Truth).<ref name="Ahmed Ali Al-Kuwaity 2015"/> 
* It helps the stranded Muslims to complete their journey.{{r|Zeno}}{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
*It helps in the healing of various Sickness (according to the prophet of Islam).<ref>{{cite book|author=  Muḥammad ibn Abī Bakr Ibn Qayyim al-Jawzīyah |author2= Imam Ibn Qayyim Al Jauziyah|title=Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet|publisher=Darussalam| year=2003}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}

===Spiritual effects===
* It purifies human's heart from the sins of malice, greed, and the obsessive love of wealth.<ref>{{cite book|author= Mohamed Ariff |author2= Shamsher Mohamad |title=Islamic Wealth Management: Theory and Practice|publisher= Amazon| year=2017}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
* It increases the wealth.<ref>{{cite book|author=Abdulazeez Abdulraheem |title=Al Asmaa Ul Husnaa: How To Live By The Names of Allah|publisher= Amazon| year=2014}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}
* It removes bad luck.<ref name="Ahmed Ali Al-Kuwaity 2015"/>
* It helps in crossing the bridge of Siraat.<ref>{{cite book|author=  Hazrat Shaykh Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah |title=Fazail-e-Sadaqaat:  Virtues of Spending|publisher=HA-MEEM PUBLICATIONS| year= 2023 |page=254}} {{ISBN|978-1998117000}}</ref>
* It guarantees heaven.<ref>{{cite book|author=Ahmad Muhani|title=Al-Sahifah Al-Sajjadiyyah|publisher=Islamic Propagation Organization, Imam Sahe-Bu-Zaman Association| year= 2010}}{{ISBN?}}</ref>{{page needed|date=September 2023}}

==See also==
{{portal|Islam}}
*[[Al-Kaffarah]]
*[[Alms]]
*[[Sadaqah Jariyah]]
*[[Khums]]
*[[Tzedakah]]
*[[Zakat]]
*[[Zidqa]], almsgiving in Mandaeism
*[[Yaqzeh]]

==Notes==
{{refbegin}}
*{{note|*|Pronunciation variations}} in [[Modern Standard Arabic|Literary Arabic]]: {{IPA|/sˤadaqa/}}, the first and the last vowels could be backed to {{IPAblink|ɑ}} and the last vowel could be turned to {{IPAblink|ɐ}}. The second vowel could also be backed to {{IPAblink|ɑ}} or fronted to {{IPAblink|æ}}. Thus {{IPA|[sˤɑdæqɑ, sˤɑdæqɐ, sˤɑdɑqɑ]}}. See [[Arabic phonology]].{{refend}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
{{commons category}}
* {{cite book|last=Debasa|first=Ana Maria Carballeira|chapter=Charity and Poverty|title=Muhammad in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Prophet of God|editor-first1=C.|editor-last1=Fitzpatrick|editor-first2=A.|editor-last2=Walker|location=Santa Barbara|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2014|volume=I|pages=92–96|isbn=978-1610691772}}
* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TtoISnnWzjv7yVgqhcjjacapnjY_iufm/view Urdu Book about Islamic concept of Sadaqah مالی قربانی کا اسلامی تصور]

{{Charity}}
{{Virtues}}

[[Category:Alms in Islam]]
[[Category:Arabic words and phrases]]
[[Category:Islamic terminology]]
[[Category:Islamic worship]]