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Sadaqah is the term used to describe a voluntary act of charity that is wide-reaching, for example a form of monetary charity or an act of kindness that can be performed in any amount, at any time of the year.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the benefits of giving Sadaqah in a number of sayings:
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)
Therefore, any act of kindness or support extended to other beings (including animals) for the sake of Allah (SWT), can be considered a Sadaqah or charity.
It can be everything from an act of kindness to a monetary donation. For example, Sadaqah can be a voluntary donation. It can be helping someone in need, giving a smile, or it can even be removing a harmful object from your path. Aqiqah, Fidya and Kaffarah are also examples of Sadaqah.
In a famous Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (ra):
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that.’” (Al-Bukhari)
The literal translation is ‘righteousness’. However, in the modern-day context, it has come to mean ‘voluntary charity’. The word stems from ‘sidq’, which means sincerity. This suggests that Sadaqah is a righteous behaviour, which shows sincerity of faith.
For many of the world’s most vulnerable, your donations are a lifeline.
When you provide a Sadaqah donation to Islamic Relief, you can change the future of an orphan in need. Through your vital donations, they are provided with a way home to food, shelter, an education, and a chance at a brighter future.
Giving Sadaqah can help provide crucial medical care that people facing the effects of war and crisis can seek relief in. For example our brothers and sisters in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria and Palestine.
They also provide livelihoods to thousands of people and communities. This helps to break the poverty cycle and lifting individuals in need into wellbeing.
Your Sadaqah donations are simply transformative.
Sadaqah is an entirely voluntary charity, that can be performed at any time of year, and any amount can be given. However, Zakat is an obligatory charity due from every Muslim whose total possessions (cash, gold, silver, shares) meet or exceed the nisab threshold on a yearly basis.
Zakat has a number of stipulations regarding the type of assistance it can provide. However, Sadaqah can be used for any project or programme which is of benefit to people. In a number of sayings, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasised the benefits of giving Sadaqah.
As Anas Bin Malik said, narrated by Bayhaqi:
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi)
An important concept within Islam is the idea of Sadaqah Jariyah – an ‘ongoing charity’.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
“When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them.” (Muslim)
Therefore, many Muslims are eager to give charity which will continue to have benefit to people after their death, and continue to earn them reward.
Everything you need to know about voluntary charity in Islam and how your Sadaqah donation makes a difference in South Africa and beyond.
Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity in Islam. The word comes from the Arabic root "sidq", meaning sincerity, and in its broadest sense it refers to any righteous act performed for the sake of Allah (SWT). It is not limited to monetary donations. A kind word, a smile, helping someone carry their belongings, or removing a harmful object from a path are all considered Sadaqah.
In the modern context, Sadaqah most commonly refers to voluntary financial charity given to those in need, at any time of year and in any amount. It is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam and carries immense spiritual reward for the giver.
"Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire."
The literal Arabic translation of Sadaqah is "righteousness". In everyday Islamic usage, it has come to mean "voluntary charity". The word is derived from "sidq", meaning sincerity, which reflects the spirit behind the act. True Sadaqah is given sincerely, without expectation of recognition or return, purely for the sake of Allah (SWT).
This sincerity is what distinguishes Sadaqah from ordinary giving. It is an expression of gratitude, compassion, and faith, and it can take countless forms, from a monetary donation to an act of kindness extended to another person or even an animal.
Sadaqah encompasses a wide range of acts. Some examples include:
"While a man was going on a way, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that."
There are countless types of Sadaqah, both monetary and non-monetary. The two main categories are:
The most beloved acts of charity are those that are consistent, even if small in amount. Giving regularly, even a modest amount each month, carries great reward in Islam.
"The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small in amount."
Sadaqah Jariyah is an "ongoing charity" whose reward continues to benefit the giver even after their death. It is one of the three deeds that continue to earn reward after a person passes away, as mentioned in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
"When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them."
Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah include funding a water well, building or contributing to a school or masjid, planting a tree, supporting an orphan's education, or sharing knowledge that continues to benefit others. Many Muslims choose to give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of a deceased loved one, so that the reward reaches them in the hereafter.
When you donate to Islamic Relief South Africa's development programmes, such as borehole rehabilitation, education centres, or livelihoods training, your donation can become a lasting Sadaqah Jariyah for you and your family.
While both Sadaqah and Zakat are forms of charity in Islam, there are important differences between them:
In short, Zakat is a religious obligation with strict rules, while Sadaqah is a free and open act of generosity. Both are deeply encouraged in Islam and carry significant reward.
Sadaqah can be given at any time of year, in any amount. There is no fixed time or season for Sadaqah, which is one of the things that makes it such a beautiful and accessible act of worship. You can give when you have extra, when you feel grateful, or when you hear of someone in need.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged giving without delay, as charity can stand in the way of calamity and hardship.
"Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity."
While Sadaqah is especially encouraged during blessed times such as Ramadan, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, and on Fridays, it is a virtuous act at any moment throughout the year.
Unlike Zakat, which has specific categories of eligible recipients, Sadaqah can be given to anyone in need or to any cause that benefits people. This includes:
Sadaqah can also be given to non-Muslims. The key requirement is that the act is performed sincerely for the sake of Allah (SWT) and that the cause is lawful and beneficial.
Yes. Sadaqah can be given to non-Muslims. The majority of Islamic scholars agree that voluntary charity is not restricted by the religion of the recipient. The purpose of Sadaqah is to relieve hardship, show compassion, and do good in the world, and these values extend to all of humanity regardless of faith.
Islamic Relief South Africa operates on this principle. We allocate resources and support to rights holders regardless of race, political affiliation, gender, or belief, and without expecting anything in return. Our programmes serve all communities across South Africa who are in need.
Yes. It is entirely permissible to give Sadaqah on behalf of another person, whether they are living or deceased. Giving Sadaqah on behalf of a deceased parent, spouse, or loved one is a deeply encouraged practice in Islam, as the reward of the charity reaches them even after their passing.
Many Muslims choose to give Sadaqah Jariyah in memory of a loved one, such as funding a water borehole, contributing to an education centre, or sponsoring an orphan, so that the ongoing reward continues to benefit the deceased in the hereafter.
When donating through Islamic Relief South Africa, you can specify in the notes that the donation is on behalf of a named individual. Please contact us on 0800 111 898 or at info@islamic-relief.org.za if you need assistance with this.
Yes. Sadaqah can be given to a mosque or any charitable cause. Mosques are places of worship, community gathering, and education, and contributing to their upkeep or programmes is a valid and rewarded form of Sadaqah.
Sadaqah given to a registered charity such as Islamic Relief South Africa is also a valid and impactful form of giving. Your donation is used to fund humanitarian programmes that benefit the most vulnerable communities in South Africa and around the world.
Many scholars and the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) indicate that giving Sadaqah does not diminish wealth but rather increases it, through the blessings of Allah (SWT).
"Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another but that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah but that Allah raises his status."
Scholars interpret this to mean that Allah (SWT) restores and increases the wealth of those who give generously, either through material means or through the barakah (blessing) that comes into their lives, their health, and their affairs. Giving Sadaqah is therefore seen not as a loss, but as an investment in both this world and the next.
Yes. Giving Sadaqah in times of hardship, illness, or calamity is strongly encouraged in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught that Sadaqah can act as a shield against misfortune and that giving charity without delay is especially powerful in difficult times.
Many Muslims give Sadaqah when facing illness, financial difficulty, or grief as a means of seeking Allah's mercy and protection. It is also common to give Sadaqah for the recovery of a sick person, for the deceased, or as a form of gratitude when something good happens.
The best Sadaqah is that which is given consistently, even if the amount is small. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that the most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are regular and sustained, even if modest in amount. Setting up a monthly donation, however small, is one of the most impactful ways to give.
Other highly recommended ways to give Sadaqah include:
When you donate through Islamic Relief South Africa, you can choose to give a one-off donation or set up a recurring monthly contribution. You can also direct your Sadaqah to specific programmes such as orphan support, food security, education, or water access.
When you give Sadaqah through Islamic Relief South Africa, your donation is directed to programmes that address the most pressing needs of vulnerable communities. This includes:
According to our most recent annual report, 87 cents of every R1 donated goes directly into helping people in need, with 6 cents covering administrative costs and 7 cents invested in raising further funds.
Yes. Islamic Relief South Africa has a dedicated local giving programme that allows you to direct your Sadaqah to communities here at home. South Africa has significant levels of poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity, and your local Sadaqah donation makes a direct and tangible difference to your neighbours in need.
You can choose to give to specific local programmes such as orphan sponsorship, food parcels, education bursaries, or emergency relief. To discuss how your Sadaqah can be directed locally, please contact us on 0800 111 898 or at info@islamic-relief.org.za.
Yes. Islamic Relief South Africa is a registered Section 18A organisation, which means donations made to us qualify for a tax deduction under South African law. When you donate, you will receive a Section 18A tax certificate that you can use when submitting your annual tax return to SARS.
This applies to both once-off and recurring Sadaqah donations made to Islamic Relief South Africa. Our charity registration number is 043-357-NPO. For any queries regarding tax certificates, please contact us on 0800 111 898 or at info@islamic-relief.org.za.
Yes. Islamic Relief South Africa is a fully registered and independently audited non-profit organisation. We have been serving communities across South Africa since 2004 and are part of the global Islamic Relief Worldwide network, which operates in over 40 countries.
Our registration details are as follows:
We are committed to full transparency and accountability to our donors, beneficiaries, and the communities we serve. Our annual impact report details exactly how every rand donated is spent.
There are several ways to give your Sadaqah donation to Islamic Relief South Africa:
You can choose to give a once-off donation or set up a recurring monthly Sadaqah. You can also direct your donation to a specific programme such as orphan support, food security, education, or emergency relief.