Virtues and methods
of giving sadaqah
Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is a
virtuous deed in Islam. In fact, it is considered as a proof of
one's Iman (faith). The Prophet (SAW) said in the following
authentic hadeeth:
Abu Malik al-Ashari (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said:
“Cleanliness is half of faith. Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah)
fills the scale. SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) and Alhamdulillah
(Praise be to Allah) fill up what is between the heavens and the
earth. Prayer is a light. Charity is proof (of one’s faith).
Endurance is a brightness and the Qur'an is a proof on your behalf
or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell
themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying
themselves.” (Muslim)
The more we give in sadaqah, the more we increase our Iman and thus,
expect Allah's rewards both in this world and in the life hereafter.
Giving charity out of our wealth does not decrease our wealth but
instead Allah (SWT) increases it:
“Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give
increase for deeds of charity: for He loves not creatures ungrateful
and sinner.” (Qur'an, 2: 276)
“That which you give in usury for increase through the
property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah: but
that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah,
(will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.”
(Qur'an, 30:39)
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (SAW) as saying:
“Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who
forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility,
Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim)
Types of sadaqah
Sadaqah is not restricted to giving part of our wealth or material
possessions or any special deed of righteousness. Islam considers
all good deeds as sadaqah that increase our Iman:
Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Every Muslim has to
give in sadaqah (charity).” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger
(SAW)! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” He said,
“He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in
charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he
cannot do even that?” He replied, “Then he should help the needy who
appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He
replied, “Then he should perform all that is good and keep away from
all that is evil and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Bukhari)
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “To smile in the company of your
brother is charity. To command to do good deeds and to prevent
others from doing evil is charity. To guide a person in a place
where he can not get astray is charity. To remove troublesome things
like thorns and bones from the road is charity. To pour water from
your jug into the jug of your brother is charity. To guide a person
with defective vision is charity for you.” (Bukhari)
Since sadaqah is not limited to giving of money or part of our
wealth, every Muslim can therefore earn rewards from Allah. Sadaqah
is an easy way to increase our Iman. Every Muslim whether poor or
wealthy can give sadaqah at all times. The Prophet (SAW) tells us
that dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is a form of sadaqah. We read in
the following Ahadeeth:
Abu Hurairah narrated that “Abu Dharr said to the Messenger of
Allah, ‘The wealthy people have all the rewards; they pray as we
pray; they fast as we fast; and they have surplus wealth which they
give in charity; but we have no wealth which we may give in
charity.’ Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘Abu Dharr, should I not
teach you phrases by which you acquire the rank of those who excel
you? No one can acquire your rank except one who acts like you.’ He
said, Why not, Allah’s Messenger (SAW)? He said: ‘Exalt Allah say: "Allahu
Akbar" (Allah is Most Great) after each prayer thirty-three times;
and praise Him say: "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to Allah)
thirty-three times; and glorify Him say: "Subhan Allah" (Glory be to
Allah) thirty-three times; and end it by saying, "La ilâha illallâhu
wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa
yomeetu wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadeer." ( There is no god but
Allah alone, He has no partner, to Him belongs the Kingdom, to Him
praise is due and He has power over everything.) Your sins will be
forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.’” (Abu Dawud)
Abu Dharr narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “In the
morning charity is due from every bone in the body of every one of
you. Every utterance of Allah’s glorification is an act of charity.
Every utterance of praise of Him is an act of charity; every
utterance of profession of His Oneness is an act of charity; every
utterance of profession of His Greatness is an act of charity;
enjoining good is an act of charity; forbidding what is disreputable
is an act of charity; and two rak'ahs which one prays in the
forenoon will suffice.” (Muslim)
For our own success, we should spend time, money and efforts in
giving sadaqah for the pleasure of Allah as the rewards of sadaqah
is nothing but success, especially in the Hereafter:
“The likeness of those who spend for Allah’s sake is as the likeness
of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears every single ear has a
hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward of) for
whom He wills, and Allah is sufficient for His creatures’ needs,
All-Knower).” (Qur’an, 2:261)
“Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in
secret and in public have their reward with their Rabb (only God and
Sustainer). On them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.” (Qur'an,
2:274)
“…that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah,
(will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.”
(Qur’an, 30:39)
“Only those who believe in Our Signs, who when they are recited to
them fall down in adoration, and celebrate the praises of their Rabb
(only God and Sustainer), nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride.
They forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Rabb
(only God and Sustainer), in Fear and Hope. And they spend (in
charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed on them. Now
no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in
reserve) for them -- as a reward for their (good) Deeds. Is then the
man who believes no better than the man who is rebellious and
wicked? Not equal are they. For those who believe and do righteous
deeds are Gardens as hospitable Homes, for their (good) deeds.” (Qur'an,
32:15-19)
"For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women for devout
men and women for true men and women, for men and women who are
patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for
men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for
men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who
engage much in Allah’s remembrance for them has Allah prepared
forgiveness and great reward." (Qur’an, 33:35)
Qais ibn Abu Hazim narrated that.... Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said,
“A Muslim is rewarded (in the Hereafter) for whatever he spends
except for something that he spends on building.” (Bukhari)
Mu'aadh bin Jabal (RA) related from the Prophet (SAW) “Sadaqah
extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)
The Prophet (SAW) also said: “The believer's shade on the Day of
Resurrection will be his Sadaqah.” (Ahmad)
Essence of sadaqah To be
able to enjoy Allah's tremendous rewards for every sadaqah that we
give, we need to observe the following teachings:
- Sadaqah must be done sincerely
for the pleasure of Allah and not out of riya' (show off) to
gain praise or recognition from others:
“O you who believe! Do not render vain your charity by reminders
of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth
to be seen of men and he does not believe in Allah nor in the
last Day.” (Qur’an, 2: 264)
Sa’d ibn Abu Waqqas narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said,
“...whatever you spend (for Allah’s sake) you will be rewarded
for it, even for a morsel of food which you may put in the mouth
of your wife.” (Bukhari)
- It is better to conceal what we
give or do as sadaqah:
“And whatever you spend in charity or whatever vow you make, be
sure Allah knows it all. But the wrongdoers have no helpers. If
you disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if you
conceal them and make them reach those (really) in need, that is
best for you. It will remove from you some of your (stains of)
evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what you do.” (Qur'an,
2:270-271)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Seven people will be shaded by
Allah under His shade on the day when there will be no shade
except His. They are: 1. a just ruler, 2. a youth who grew up in
the worship of Allah, 3. a man whose heart is attached to the
mosque, 4. two men who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting
for that and parting for that. 5. a man who is called by a woman
of beauty and position but he says, “I fear Allah”, 6. a man who
gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not
know what his right hand gives in charity, and 7. a man who
remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.” (Bukhari)
- Sadaqah must be from halal
(lawful) source:
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said,
“If one gives in charity what equals one date-fruit from the
honestly earned money and Allah accepts only the honestly earned
money Allah takes it in His Right (hand). And then, enlarges its
reward for that person (who has given it), as anyone of you
brings up his baby horse, so much so that it becomes as big as a
mountain.” (Bukhari)
- Begin charity with your
dependents:
Hakim ibn Hizam narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The upper
hand is better than the lower hand, (i.e., he who gives charity
is better than him who takes it). One should start giving first
to his dependents. And the best object of charity is that which
is given by a wealthy person (from the money which is left after
his expenses.) And whoever abstains from asking others for some
financial help, Allah will give him and save him from asking
others, Allah will make him self-sufficient.” (Bukhari)
Abu Umamah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: "O son of
Adam, it is better for you if you spend your surplus (wealth),
but if you withhold it, it is evil for you. There is (however)
no reproach for you (if you withhold means necessary) for a
living. And begin (charity) with your dependents; and the upper
hand is better than the lower hand." (Muslim)
- Not to delay giving of sadaqah
nor show lethargy or negligence in giving sadaqah:
And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We
have bestowed on you, before death should come to any of you and
he should say, “O my Rabb (only God and Sustainer)! Why do you
not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given
(largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of
good.” (Qur’an, 63:10)
Haritha ibn Wahb narrated that he heard the Prophet (SAW)
saying, “O people! Give in charity as a time will come upon you
when a person will wander about with his object of charity and
will not find anybody to accept it, and anyone (who will be
requested to take it) will say, “If you had brought it
yesterday, I would have taken it, but today I am not in need of
it.” (Bukhari)
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that a man came to the Prophet (SAW)
and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger which charity is the most
superior in reward?” He replied, “The charity which you practice
while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish
to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching
death and then say, ‘Give so much to such and such, and so much
to such and such.’ (And it has already belonged to such and such
(his heirs).” (Bukhari)
“Do not show lethargy or negligence in giving alms and charity
till your last breath.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
- Do not count the sadaqah you
give:
“Spend in charity and do not keep count for then Allah will also
keep count in giving you provision.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
- Seek only the desire to see
Allah, which is the supreme success in Paradise. Do not expect
favor or reward from any person for the sadaqah you give:
"Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification,
and have in their minds no favor from anyone for which a reward
is expected in return, but only the desire to seek for the
Countenance of their Creator Most High; and soon will they
attain (complete) satisfaction." (Qur’an, 92:18-21)
From the above virtuous
teachings, we can conclude that indeed, Islam opens for us many
ways of increasing our Iman and good deeds through sadaqah. We
can perform easy good deeds like smiling and dhikr (remembrance
of Allah), which we can do at anytime and get rewards. The rich
among us can earn more rewards if we give part of our wealth to
the poor members of our relatives, friends, neighbors and the
society at large. If we have the ability to extend sadaqah
especially to other poor Muslims outside our community or
country then we must extend our help. Another virtuous way of
giving sadaqah is by supporting individuals and groups who are
doing Da'wah (inviting people to Islam or the Truth) for the
pleasure of Allah the Almighty. Let us take inspiration from the
following Qur'anic ayah:
“And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and supports)
it -- such are the men who do right. They shall have all that
they wish for, with their Rabb (Only God, Cherisher and
Sustainer). Such is the reward of those who do good: so that
Allah will remit from them (even) the worst in their deeds and
give them their reward according to the best of what they have
done.” (Qur’an 39:33-35)
Let us hasten to give sadaqah for life in this world is short
and temporary while the world in the Hereafter is everlasting.
We never know when death has been decreed for us. Today we live
and we never know how long we will enjoy the pleasure of this
world. But one thing is certain: life in this world is nothing
compared to the everlasting life in the Hereafter. Allah (SWT)
tells us:
“Nothing is the life of this world but play and amusement, but
best is the Home in the Hereafter, for those who are righteous,
will you not then understand?” (Qur’an, 6:32)
“Allah does enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the
sustenance (which He gives) to whom so He pleases -- (the
worldly) rejoice in the life of this world. But the life of this
world is but little comfort compared to the Hereafter.” (Qur’an,
13:26)
Let us prepare ourselves for the everlasting world to come. Let
us be among those who will earn Allah's rewards in Jannah (the
Garden of Bliss or Paradise) through giving sadaqah in many
ways. Let us continue earning Allah's rewards of our good deeds
by giving sadaqah that continues to benefit others. Let us think
of giving sadaqah to support Islamic projects like building of
mosques, Islamic schools, Islamic libraries, orphanage and
da'wah centers. If Allah has blessed us with wealth, let us not
delay to build any or all of the said Islamic projects for the
sole pleasure of Allah. If we do so, we will certainly attain
the rewards of doing good deeds continuously even after we die.
Let us be inspired to give sadaqah with the following authentic
hadeeth:
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said:
“Verily what a believer continues to receive (in the form of
reward) for his action and his virtues after his death is the
knowledge which he acquired and then disseminated; the pious son
that he left behind him; or a copy of the Qur’an which he left
as a legacy; or the mosques that he had built; or the inn that
he had built for the wayfarers; or the canal that he caused to
flow, or a sadaqah which he gave out of his property in the
state when he was healthy and alive. (These are the acts of
goodness the reward of which) reaches him even after his death.”
(Tirmidhi, 254; Ibn Majah and Bayhaqi)
For those who are wealthy but miser or negligent in giving
sadaqah may they take admonitions from the following words of
Allah and His Messenger (SAW):
So he who gives (in charity) and fears (Allah), and (in all
sincerity) testifies to the Best, We will indeed make smooth for
him the path to Ease. But he who is a greedy miser and thinks
himself self-sufficient, and gives the lie to the Best, -- We
will indeed make smooth for him the Path of Misery; nor will his
wealth profit him when he falls headlong (into the Pit). Verily
We take upon Us to guide, and verily unto Us (belong) the End
and the Beginning. Therefore do I warn you of a Fire blazing
fiercely; none shall burn therein but those most unfortunate
ones who give the lie to Truth and turn their backs. But those
most devoted to Allah shall be removed far from it. (Qur’an,
92:4-17)
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, "The
example of a miser and the one who gives in charity, is like the
example of two men wearing iron cloaks so tightly that their
arms are raised forcibly towards their collar-bones. So,
whenever a charitable person wants to give in charity, his cloak
spreads over his body so much so that it wipes out his traces.
But whenever the miser wants to give in charity, the rings (of
the iron cloak) come closer to each other and press over his
body and his hands get connected to his collar-bones. Abu
Huraira heard the Prophet (SAW) saying, "The miser then tries to
widen it but in vain." (Bukhari)
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Every
day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says, 'O
Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your cause’, and
the other (angel) says, 'O Allah! Destroy every miser.’” (Bukhari)
Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that... Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said,
“Those who have much wealth (in this world) will be the least
rewarded (in the Hereafter) except those who do like this and
like this (i.e., spend their money in charity).” (Bukhari)
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW)
said, “A crafty one, a miser, and one who keeps reminding people
of what he has given, will not enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)
May Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful give us
opportunities to do many ways of giving sadaqah for His pleasure
and reward us best life, especially in the Hereafter. May we
spend our lives, time, money and efforts or everything in us to
do deeds that Allah accepts as forms of sadaqah solely for His
Sake. May our Rabb save us from the Hell-Fire by protecting us
from being miser. Ameen.
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