7 Simple Ways to Give Sadaqah and How You Can Benefit From It
Sadaqah is the Islamic concept of charity that can be performed in myriad ways, from giving money to performing good deeds and prayers.
Doing so not only increases your iman (faith) but also strengthens ties with other Muslims and the wider community.
Differing slightly from zakat, a religious tax which is one of the five pillars of Islam, sadaqah is not obligatory and doesn’t have a set time frame.
Anyone can give sadaqah if they have the means. A gracious heart and genuine intention are the essence of this noble, centuries-old practice.
Here are some examples of how you can perform sadaqah.
Feed the hungry
In more ways than one, sharing food is a way to be thankful for your own blessings.
Some people take joy in cooking up a feast, sharing wholesome, freshly made food with family and friends.
Others prefer treating strangers to a hearty spread at the restaurant, delicious snacks bought from a street stall or through food delivery services.
During the month of Ramadan, ordering sahur or iftar meals for your loved ones is one way to show you care.
Donate to the poor
You don’t lose your hard-earned money when channeling it to sadaqah. Instead, it builds wealth in character and paves the way for future rewards.
No matter if it’s $1, $10 or $1,000, no amount is too small or too big when it comes to monetary aid.
And giving donations is easy, whether directly to the recipient or via charitable organisations.
Pray for friends (and foes)
When you remember a loved one far away, send a du’a (prayer) to wish them good health and wealth.
If you have a friend who’s going through tough times, send them a du’a for the strength to carry on.
And when you come across a difficult person, send them a du’a to overcome whatever is troubling them so.
Everytime you make a wish or prayer for others, the angels will do the same for you.
Share knowledge with others
In Islam, there are two types of knowledge that can be passed on to others.
The first is known as naqli - information that comes from God, such as teachings from the Quran or inspiring hadith.
Aqli, meanwhile, refers to knowledge that comes from the human mind.
This can be many things, including guidance on work or studies, information on how to save up money or even tips about halal make-up.
Support small businesses
Whether it’s a friend pursuing their passion for baking or someone trying to provide for their family, small enterprises can use all the help they can get, especially when they’re just starting out.
Every little bit helps - a small purchase, word-of-mouth recommendation, perhaps even a shout-out on social media.
Even if you don’t need the item or service, you can always gift it to someone else. That’s two acts of sadaqah in one go.
Pay for someone’s groceries
Rich, poor, fancy or humble, a house is not a home without a kitchen filled staples like rice, flour, oil and fresh produce.
Helping out with the groceries is an act of altruism that is sometimes overlooked, especially when everyone is busy with their own lives.
Take a moment to check if your loved ones have enough at home. If not, remember to include what they need on your next trip to the supermarket or order fresh groceries to be sent their way.
You can also offer to pay for a stranger’s cart at the supermarket checkout line - there’s no need to be shy if the intention is pure.
Smile sincerely
This warm gesture is not only an easy, winsome way to send good vibes to others, it even has the power to flip negative emotions into a positive one.
Everyone can benefit from a smile, be it the receiver or the giver. In fact, smiling is sunnah - a practice of the Prophet Muhammad all Muslims should emulate.
But first and foremost, look in the mirror and sadaqah a smile to yourself, because everyone can use a simple reminder that they’re doing all right.
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