10 Differences Between Zakat and Sadaqah

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Islam teaches us the importance of caring for others, both emotionally and financially, without hurting their self-respect.

It offers various means of aiding those in need, such as Zakat, Zakat-ul-Fitr, Sadaqah, and Sadaqah Jariyah. Understanding the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah is crucial in fulfilling our obligation to support the less fortunate.

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	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; state can take punitive measures on non-payers	Not enforced upon people
11	Consequences of Non-payment	Abandoning Zakat payments is considered a type of treason	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

What is Zakat?

Zakat comes from the word “zaka,” which means increase and purification. Zakat al Fitr is a required yearly payment in Islam, part of the Five Pillars. It is 2.5% of one's wealth and mandatory for Muslims who meet the Zakat Nisab threshold.

Its goal is to purify wealth and help specific groups (Masarif-e-zakat) mentioned in the Qur’an.

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 and can be money, helping others, or teaching about Islam.

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Importance of Zakat and Sadaqah in Islam

Both Zakat and Sadaqah are fundamental acts of worship in Islam, embodying 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)

Common Benefits of Zakat and Sadaqah

Here are the common benefits of Zakat and Sadaqah:

Both are acts of charity and generosity.
They are important aspects of Islamic faith and practice.
Both aim to help those in need and alleviate poverty.
They are considered a means of purifying one's wealth and soul.
Both are encouraged as ways to earn rewards and blessings from Allah.
They contribute to fostering a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims.

In conclusion, despite the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah, they both represent the Islamic values of generosity and compassion. Their common goal is to minimize suffering and uplift those in need. Embracing both practices fulfills a fundamental duty of Muslims to support their community and demonstrate kindness to others.

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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 your intention is 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.