Introduction
You might be familiar with the ritual of Zakat, the act of charity that is obligatory for Muslims. But will it surprise you very much that it is not the only way Muslims make donations? One of the most popular acts of charity is Sadaqah, the topic of today’s discussion.
Sadaqah in Islam
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire” Tirmidhi
You can see why Sadqah is so important to Muslims, don’t you? This act of compassion can simply make up for any shortcomings that you might have. Many Quranic injunctions make it clear that voluntary charity is one of the things that Muslims should adopt as a habit. Wealthy Muslims followed these instructions and supported their underprivileged brothers in the early times of Islam.
Sadaqah hadith
The importance of Sadaqah also becomes clear from a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) said:
When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased). (Sahih Muslim)
Types of Sadaqah
Like mentioned before, wealth is not the only way to make a Sadaqah. There are so many other ways to do so. Some of the ways you could make a Sadaqah include:
1- Dua: Making prayers for those who are suffering, for example, the current coronavirus pandemic patients, is also a Sadaqah.
2- Knowledge: If you know something, which can prove beneficial for others, do disseminate it. For example, how about educating the uneducated about the current pandemic? Teach people all about preventive measures as a Sadaqah.
3- Smile: We are all suffering in the current crisis. You might be amazed by the wonders of a simple smile. Do smile and spread some joy, humanity needs that badly!
4- Forgive: Let the bygones be bygones. The fickle nature of life suggests that forgiving each other is the way to spend the remainder of the days we have left here.
5- Help: This can be done in several ways but the idea is pretty simple: Reach out to those who need you.
Who is eligible for Sadaqah?
For the financial Sadaqah, there are eight categories of the entitled ones. The importance of Sadaqah in relation to coronavirus is defined here. These categories have been mentioned in the Holy Quran. According to the Quran, these categories include:
1- The poor
2- The needy
3- Zakat Administrators
4- New Muslims
5- Freeing slaves and captives.
6- Those overburdened with debt
7- For spreading Islam’s message.
8- Wayfarers without money.
Conclusion
Those who constantly make Sadaqah are not losing anything. Rather, they are rewarded in a greater manner by Allah (SWT). Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity of making your life more blessed. Make more Sadqah regularly for a blessed life.