What is Sadaqah

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.

What does Sadaqah mean

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.

How Islamic Relief uses your Sadaqah donations

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.

The Impact of your Sadaqah Donations

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.

What is the difference between Sadaqah and Sadaqah Jariyah?

Essentially, Sadaqah Jariyah is what today’s international development sector calls ‘sustainable development’. Islam promoted this over 1400 years ago. Sadaqah Jariyah encompasses the majority of the sustainable development programmes carried out by both Islamic and other NGOs today.

What are the benefits of Sadaqah?

Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity given for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah (SWT), without expecting anything in return.

We know that Prophet Muhammad ﷻ was  very generous. He (ﷻ) would give his food, money, and belongings to the poor and often let himself go hungry. In summary, the Prophet Muhammad  ﷻ  had impeccable character. Therefore, it is an immense reward in following his exemplary behaviour.

Why is Sadaqah important in Islam?

Sadaqah not only purifies one’s own wealth, but also helps to establish economic stability through the flow of wealth in society. Through the good deed of giving, Muslims are bonded together. Therefore, Muslims are instructed by Allah (SWT) to try to give for His sake and spread generosity.

Islamic Relief works with communities to strengthen their resilience to calamities, and we provide vital emergency aid when disasters occur.

We help the impoverished access basic services, including education, water and sanitation, as well as healthcare. We provide lasting routes out of poverty through our sustainable development schemes. Our integrated approach to progress is transforming communities worldwide.

We tackle the root causes of poverty and make sure that the world’s most vulnerable people have real influence in both our programs and advocacy.

Our Vision

A more compassionate and just world where no one is left behind. 

Our Mission

To mobilize Canadians to transform more lives around the world in the most trusted manner.

Our Values

We remain guided by the timeless values and teachings of the Qur’an and the prophetic example (Sunnah), most specifically:

Sincerity

In responding to poverty and suffering, our efforts are driven by sincerity to God and the need to fulfil our obligations to humanity.

Excellence

Our actions in tackling poverty are marked by excellence in our operations and the conduct through which we help the deserving people we serve.

Compassion

We believe the protection and well-being of every life is of paramount importance and we shall join with other humanitarian actors to act as one in responding to suffering brought on by disasters, poverty and injustice.

Social Justice

Our work is founded on enabling people and institutions to fulfil the rights of the poor and vulnerable. We work to empower the dispossessed towards realizing their God-given human potential and develop their capabilities and resources.

Custodianship

We uphold our duty of custodianship over Earth and its resources, and the trust people place in us as a humanitarian and development practitioner to be transparent and accountable.