One Ummah News - 27 Mar 2024
In the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide engage in acts of worship and kindness to draw closer to Allahﷻ. One way to attain His blessings is to give Sadaqah in Ramadan, a voluntary charity that embodies Islam’s generous and compassionate foundation. Sadaqah is not only a means of fulfilling our duty to Allahﷻ but also a way of showing gratitude, purifying our hearts, and earning His mercy and blessings. Sadaqah comes from the word ‘Sidq’ (sincerity).
In the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide engage in acts of worship and kindness to draw closer to Allahﷻ. One way to attain His blessings is to give Sadaqah in Ramadan, a voluntary charity that embodies Islam’s generous and compassionate foundation.
Sadaqah is not only a means of fulfilling our duty to Allahﷻ but also a way of showing gratitude, purifying our hearts, and earning His mercy and blessings. Sadaqah comes from the word ‘Sidq’ (sincerity). Giving Sadaqah is a sign of sincere Emaan, and as Allahﷻ says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].” – Qur’an (5:27).
Sadaqah encompasses any charitable act done out of compassion, love or generosity. It can be given to anybody in various forms: money, time and effort.
The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said
"Every act of goodness is charity.”
Muslim
While both are forms of charity in Islam, there is a distinct difference between Zakat and Sadaqah. Zakat is obligatory; a fixed percentage of eligible Muslims’ wealth must be given to the poor. Zakat is a Pillar of Islam and must be paid by all Muslims, besides those ineligible.
On the other hand, Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity and can be given at any time, in any amount. It is a way of expressing our love for Allahﷻ and His creations and a means of increasing and blessing our wealth in the Dunya and the Akhira.
The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said
"Charity does not decrease wealth.”
Muslim
In Islam, charity purifies the soul. It fosters empathy and gratitude and eliminates any selfishness or greed. The benefits of Sadaqah extend beyond spiritual growth; it strengthens communities and brings harmony. For the needy, your Sadaqah also brings protection and relief from calamities and hardships, as the Prophet Muhammadﷺ said:
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” –[Sunan al-Tirmidhi].
Sadaqah Jariyah is a form of ongoing charity that benefits individuals for as long as they exist, e.g. building mosques, water well, providing education. It is a way to leave a lasting legacy, earning rewards even after we leave this world; as the Prophetﷺ said:
“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), or knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him.” –[Sunan al-Nasa’i].
During the blessed month of Ramadan, rewards for good deeds are multiplied greatly. Giving Sadaqah during this holy month fulfils our duty of care for the needy and amplifies our rewards in this life and the hereafter.
Allahﷻ says in the Qur’an:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” – (2:261)
The Prophet Muhammadﷺ was one of the most generous people, even more so during Ramadan. He encouraged his companions to regularly give Sadaqah this month, often only keeping what was necessary to live on.
Giving Sadaqah during Ramadan helps us attain the ultimate goal of this month, which is to achieve piety and closeness to Allahﷻ. Give whatever you can; because whatever you give, Allahﷻ knows it well.
By the grace of the Most-Compassionate, your Sadaqah donations change the lives of millions, providing emergency humanitarian aid to the most remote and vulnerable beneficiaries. Last year, One Ummah was able to impact TWO MILLION lives, providing urgent relief in the form of:
Food packs We provide food packs to those in need.
Clean water We ensure access to clean water for communities.
Medical and sanitary packs We distribute medical and sanitary packs to improve health.
Warm clothes We offer warm clothes to those facing cold weather.
Education equipment We supply educational equipment for learning.
Shelter and housing We provide shelter and housing for the homeless.
The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said
“The sadaqah of a Muslim increases during his lifetime. It also softens the agony of death, and through it, he is given shade on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Sunan al-Bayhaqi]
The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said
“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity.”
[at-Tirmidhi 1956]
