Zakat and Sadaqah are considered fundamental principles that the Islamic religion urges us towards. Zakat represents a pillar among the five pillars of Islam and an annual obligation imposed to purify all wealth that exceeds the Nisab. Therefore, Muslims must give out a percentage of their wealth to support the needy and the poor. Sadaqah is also considered a voluntary act that shows giving without specific limits and this embodies the generosity of the individual. In this article, we will know what’s the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah? And the benefits of each.
What’s the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered an obligatory duty that aims to purify wealth and redistribute wealth in society. Zakat is imposed on Muslims who possess wealth that exceeds the Nisab which is determined by a specific value of gold or silver, as many wonder about:
How much Zakat on 1 tola gold?
The answer is the giving out of 2.5% of the wealth annually and this amount is disbursed to specific categories such as the poor and the needy according to what Islamic Sharia has stipulated. Many Muslims also prefer to give out their Zakat during the month of Ramadan, especially in the last ten days, because of the multiplied reward that comes with that.
On the other hand, Sadaqah is considered a voluntary act and not an obligation as it can be offered at any time and without a minimum amount limit and this makes it an expression of personal generosity.
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Top 10 differences between Zakat and Sadaqah
The most important points that clarify the answer to the question: what’s the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah? are the following:
- Nature: Zakat is considered a purely financial act, while Sadaqah can be financial or non-financial such as in-kind donations or volunteer services.
- Obligation: Zakat is considered obligatory for Muslims once a year, while Sadaqah is not obligatory in any way.
- Wrong Actions: Abandoning Zakat is considered a sin, whereas not offering Sadaqah is not considered a sin..
- Thresholds: Zakat requires reaching a specific Nisab, while Sadaqah has no minimum limit or Nisab.
- Beneficiaries: Zakat is directed to specific and defined categories according to Sharia and they are the poor, the needy and the destitute. With this, we have been able to answer the question: Who deserves Zakat? While Sadaqah can be given to any needy person without restrictions.
- Distribution: Historically, Zakat used to be collected and distributed by Islamic authorities, while Sadaqah remains a personal act that comes from individual contributions.
- Assets: Zakat is calculated based on specific assets such as gold, silver and cash, while there are no specific requirements for Sadaqah.
- Liabilities: Some liabilities can be deducted from the Zakat calculation, while there is no system for deduction regarding Sadaqah.
- Enforcement: Zakat is imposed by the state and punitive measures result in case of non-payment, while there is no type of obligation regarding Sadaqah.
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Types of Sadaqah
Sadaqah manifests in multiple forms that reflect the importance of good deeds, the reward of which increases with every act of kindness offered. Among the most prominent types of Sadaqah are smiling in the face of others, offering useful advice and exercising patience in different situations. It also includes spreading knowledge, teaching valuable skills, alongside feeding the needy and caring for animals. Sadaqah does not neglect visiting the sick and donating money to the poor and needy.
Zakat and Sadaqah in Hadith and Quran
- Evidence for Sadaqah from the Quran: Allah SWT said:
{إِن تُقْرِضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا يُضَاعِفْهُ لَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ شَكُورٌ حَلِيمٌ}
(In tuqridul laaha qardan hasanany yudaa ‘ifhu lakum wa yaghfir lakum; wallaahu Shakoorun Haleem)
[If you loan Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allah is Most Appreciative and Forbearing.]
- And from the Sunnah, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“اتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرة”
[“Protect yourselves from the Fire, even with half a date.”]
- While evidence for Zakat from the Quran: Allah SWT said:
{وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ}
(Wa aqeemus Salaata wa aatuz Zakaah)
[And establish prayer and give Zakat].
- And from the Sunnah, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“ما من صاحب ذهب ولا فضة لا يؤدي منها حقها إلا إذا كان يوم القيامة صُفِّحت له صفائح من نار، فأُحمِيَ عليها في نار جهنم، فيُكوى بها جنباه وجبينه وظهره”
[“There is no owner of gold or silver who does not pay its due right, except that on the Day of Resurrection, plates of fire will be fashioned for him. They will be heated in the fire of Hell and his sides, his forehead and his back will be branded with them.”]
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Benefits of Zakat and Sadaqah
Zakat and Sadaqah grant a great reward to Muslims and enhance their personal well-being and spiritual growth. Some ask for the answer to the question: What is Zakat al mal? It is a financial act of worship imposed on Muslims to give out a specific percentage of their wealth. This is to assist the needy and the poor. The percentage of Zakat is generally set at 2.5% of the wealth saved for a Hijri year and is paid to the eligible categories such as the poor, the destitute, relatives and other categories specified in the Noble Quran.
The benefits of Zakat and Sadaqah extend to include spiritual and social aspects. Zakat purifies the wealth of the giver and brings him closer to Allah. It works as a means to purify the soul from greed. Sadaqah enhances the values of generosity and mercy and assists in getting rid of miserliness and selfishness.
And the benefits of Sadaqah and Zakat from a social perspective contribute to achieving social solidarity and ensuring a fair distribution of wealth. This reminds the rich of the transience of their wealth and enhances their sense of responsibility towards the needy.
Is it permissible to spend Zakat as Sadaqah Jariyah?
Opinions vary regarding the permissibility of spending Zakat as ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah). Some scholars hold the view that it is not permissible because Zakat is obligatory, while ongoing charity is considered voluntary. Zakat is also designated for specific categories and this may not align with ongoing charity projects. However, there are many charitable organizations that offer ongoing charity programs that might be considered suitable for receiving Zakat.
Many also ask about: How much Zakat on gold? The answer is the amount of Zakat required to be paid on gold is 2.5% (one-fortieth) of the total weight.
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FAQs
Does Zakat count as Sadaqah?
Overall, the payment of Zakat is considered different from the concept of Sadaqah because Zakat is imposed as an obligatory financial act of worship on Muslims, while Sadaqah is considered voluntary offered by individual will. Therefore, Zakat cannot be considered Sadaqah.
What are the 2 types of Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is divided into two types: regular Sadaqah which is given irregularly and ongoing Sadaqah (Sadaqah Jariyah) which is offered as a contribution that has a lasting impact, such as building schools or water wells. Sadaqah reflects the spirit of giving and kindness. In case you take bayyinah institute online courses with Shaikh Saleh Academy, you will be able to learn more about matters of the Islamic religion.
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Can non Muslims accept Zakat?
A number of scholars permitted the possibility of paying Zakat to non-Muslims if they belong to the categories eligible for it.
Can I combine zakat and sadaqah?
It is not permissible to combine Zakat and Sadaqah.
