The term Sadaqah or Sadaqa (صدقة) means righteousness and it derives from the Arabic root word Sidq (ص،د،ق) which means Sincerity. The three-letter root of this word, S-D-Q, also means, "to speak the truth," "to be sincere," and "to fulfill one's promise." Sadaqah therefore can be defined as an act of giving something to someone with a sincere and truthful intention of seeking Allah's pleasure - For the sake of Allah, in the way of Allah. It can be as little as a smile when you meet your family, friends or others and as big as a financial contribution towards projects like running a Muslim prayer group or building a Mosque.
There are many different types of Sadaqah. The three most commonly known ones are:
1. Zakah or Zakat (Fard Sadaqah)
This type of Sadaqah is only compulsory to be paid by mature, sane men and women whose net assets, over a single year, either equals or exceeds a threshold level, known as nisab, which is the equivalent value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. Zakah is paid at rate of 2.5% of one's wealth and only be given to those that fall into the following categories:
"Zakah expenditures are only
1. for the poor and
2. for the needy and
3. for those employed to collect [zakah] and
4. for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and
5. for freeing captives [or slaves] and
6. for those in debt and
7. for the cause of Allah and
8. for the [stranded] traveller
- an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise." (Surah Tawba 9:60)
2. Sadaqah Wajibah (Compulsory Sadaqah)
This type of Sadaqah is Compulsory (binding in nature) but is not the same as Zakah. Compulsory Sadaqah may be kaffarah, fidyah or other mandatory grants besides Zakah given to cleanse one’s wealth or expiate for actions. Compulsory Sadaqah such as removing dubious earnings which according to some may be given to causes which are for the common good of the people (رفاه عام) but not for building places of worship.
The following are types of Compulsory Sadaqah
1. Sadaqatul Fitr 2. Nadhr 3. Fidyah
4. Kaffarah
5. Udhiyyah (Qurbani), Dam and Badanah
3. Sadaqah Nafilah (Voluntary Sadaqah)
This type of Sadaqah is not Compulsory (not binding in nature) but voluntary (optional). Sadaqah Nafilah has no restriction unless the restriction is placed by the giver or it contravenes the Shariah or is against the sensibilities of Islam.This type of Sadaqah is given for the removal of difficulties, philanthropic (to give out of mercy to the less fortunate), the general giving of any Halal item to any one etc. Sadaqah Nafilah therefore can be given as a contribution towards an Islamic project such as running a Muslim prayer group or building a Mosque.
The following are types of Voluntary Sadaqah
1. Lillah 2. Waqf 3. Aqeeqah 4. Sadaqah for the upliftment of difficulties 5. Sadaqah for the expiation of sins 6. Charity contributions above the amount of Zakat and Sadaqah Wajibah.
There is a detail information on the subtypes given above on the Ummah Welfare website. You might find it helpful, Link here.
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