14 Differences between Zakat and Sadaqah in Islam

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Unsure about the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?

You’re not alone!

Many Muslims often confuse the two, unsure when to give Zakat or when Sadaqah is more appropriate. This misunderstanding can lead to missed spiritual growth opportunities and financial benefits for those in need.

By distinguishing between Zakat and Sadaqah, you can maximize the spiritual and social benefits of both forms of giving.

Let’s dive into the key differences and discover how each charity serves a unique purpose.

What is Zakat?

Zakat, derived from "zaka" meaning increase and purification, is a mandatory annual payment of 2.5% of wealth. It’s part of the five pillars of Islam and is required for Muslims above the Nisab threshold.

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What is Sadaqah?

Sadaqah comes from the word “Sidq,” which means truth. It includes acts of kindness done willingly.

Unlike Zakat, Sadaqah isn't mandatory, and there's no fixed amount or specific things to give. It's a personal way to be generous, whether through money, consoling someone, or teaching about Islam.

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Here are the fourteen key differences between Zakat and Sadaqah:

Difference between Zakat and Sadaqa
S.N	Feature	Zakat	Sadaqah
1	Obligation	Mandatory payment	Voluntary act
2	Amount/Threshold	A fixed percentage of Zakat Nisab (usually 2.5%) of wealth	No set amount or percentage
3	Recipients	Specific 8 categories mentioned in the Quran (Masarif-e-Zakat)	Anyone in need, including non-Muslims
4	Timeframe	Must be paid once a year	Can be given at any time
5	Purpose	Purify wealth Support those in need	Earn rewards Show kindness to others
6	Types	Zakat-al-Mal Zakat al-fitr (Fitrana)	Sadaqah Nafillah Sadaqah Wajibah Sadaqah Jariyah
7	Calculation	Based on wealth or income	No set calculation
8	Eligibility	Requires eligibility	Anyone, including the poor
9	Priority	Priority obligation	Can be given after other forms of charity
10	Enforcement	Can be forcefully taken; the state can take strict actions against non-payers	Not enforced upon people
11	Consequences of Non-payment	Not paying Zakat is a sin	Not giving Sadaqah is not sinful
12	Nature	Monetary	Can be non-monetary as well
13	Distribution Location	Should be paid in the city where one lives and works	Can be spent anywhere
14	Deduction of Liabilities	Certain liabilities can be deducted from the Zakat calculation	No calculation involving deduction of liabilities

Zakat and Sadaqah are both important forms of charity in Islam, but they differ significantly. Zakat is a mandatory annual payment with specific recipients and strict rules regarding its distribution.

In contrast, Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity with no set amount. It is given freely to anyone in need and can be done at any time. While Zakat purifies wealth, Sadaqah supports others and can take both monetary and non-monetary forms.

Additionally, the state can enforce Zakat, with penalties for non-payment, whereas Sadaqah is not obligatory.

Importance of Zakat and Sadaqah in Islam

Both Zakat and Sadaqah are fundamental acts of worship in Islam. They include essential values of compassion, social responsibility, and community welfare.

Allah SWT says in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:177):
“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah,
the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.”

We can understand the importance of Zakat and Sadaqah from the following Hadiths on charity:

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

“The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the one that gives, and the lower hand is the one that receives.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
(Sahih Muslim)
"Give charity quickly to prevent bad things from happening."
(Al-Tirmidhi)

Benefits of Zakat and Sadaqah

Zakat and Sadaqah bring the following benefits:

Purifies Wealth and Soul: Removes greed and selfishness, fostering gratitude and generosity.
Earns Rewards from Allah (SWT): Leads to spiritual growth and blessings in this life and the hereafter.
Reduces Poverty: Plays a crucial role in improving living standards and reducing inequality in society.
Fosters Unity: Strengthens bonds within the community, creating harmony and solidarity.
Promotes Social Justice: Ensures fair wealth distribution, addressing economic disparities.
Benefits the Giver and Receiver: Uplifts spirits and provides personal satisfaction to both the giver and the receiver.
Promote Generosity: Both emphasize generosity and encourage individuals to be selfless.
Fosters Empathy: Both encourage empathy and compassion by reminding individuals of the struggles of others.

Commonalities between Zakat and Sadaqah

Here are the three similarities between Zakat and Sadaqah:

Acts of Charity: Both Zakat and Sadaqah involve giving to those in need. These charitable acts strengthen the sense of community and create a society that looks after its most disadvantaged members.
Islamic Teachings: Both forms of charity are deeply encouraged by Allah (SWT) in the Qur’an and Hadith. Both are essential in Islam, reinforcing helping others and following Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) teachings.
Universal Application: Zakat and Sadaqah are open to all Muslims, regardless of gender, social status, or wealth. Every Muslim who is able is encouraged to give, making these acts of charity inclusive and universally accessible to promote social welfare.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah is essential for fulfilling our charitable duties. Both forms of charity hold immense importance in Islam, offering spiritual and social benefits for both the giver and the receiver.

While Zakat is a mandatory act of purification and wealth distribution, Sadaqah provides an opportunity for voluntary generosity. Despite their differences, both Zakat and Sadaqah help those in need, fostering community and empathy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Zakat and Waqf?

Zakat is an obligatory charity, gathered from eligible individuals and given to eight groups mentioned in the Quran. The Waqf system is crucial in Muslim communities as it helps elderly, poor, and orphaned people by providing education, training, and business opportunities.

What is the difference between zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf?

Zakat is a mandatory charity for eligible Muslims, while Sadaqah is voluntary. Zakat has specific assets and recipients, whereas Sadaqah doesn't have fixed amounts or recipients. Waqf is a voluntary donation of assets for charitable purposes, promoting continuous community benefits.

What is the difference between Zakat, Sadaqah and Khairat?

The term Sadaqah is sometimes used interchangeably with Zakat, which is obligatory charity paid by Muslims. However, Sadaqah generally refers to optional charity. Similarly, Khairat is an Urdu term that also denotes voluntary charity. Therefore, if you intend to give Zakat, it will fulfill the obligation of Zakat.

What is the difference between Zakat, Sadaqah and Lillah?

Zakat is obligatory charity given to specific recipients and calculated at a fixed rate. Sadaqah is a voluntary charity with no fixed amount or recipient. Lillah is a type of Sadaqah given for the sake of Allah without expecting any return or reward.

Is Waqf a Sadaqah?

Waqf is not a Sadaqah; it involves dedicating assets to be used for charitable purposes, such as providing education or healthcare facilities. While both Waqf and Sadaqah involve charitable giving, they serve different purposes and have different mechanisms.

WRITTEN BY

Ali Raza (Zakat and Sadaqah Regulations)

Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.