Although Sadaqah is a general term which refers to any voluntary charitable act, it can be broken down into two distinct types, Sadaqah Wajibah and Sadaqah Nafilah. We’ll break them down in a very simple way to help you understand each one.
- Sadaqah Wajibah: Binding Commitments
- Sadaqatul Fitr: A required charitable contribution that all sane Muslims who have Nisab beyond necessities must provide. It is given before 'Eid Salah to guarantee that those in need get support on the festive day. Individuals should give an amount that is equivalent in value to 1.75kg of wheat or 3.5kg of barley.
- Nadhr: a self-imposed duty, taking the form of a charitable oath e.g. expressing gratitude through Sadaqah. If it is not fulfilled, Kaffarah is required, implying major compensation
- Fidyah: Compensation for minor Hajj mistakes, missed Salah, and Sawm. Typically falling under Sadaqah Wajibah, it resembles Sadaqatul Fitr in terms of the amount required to give, which is 1.6kg of wheat or its equivalent.
- Kaffarah: Deliberately breaking fasts, violating oaths, or causing someone's death, implies major compensation. There are two kinds of Kaffarah: Greater Kaffarah involves feeding sixty people in need, fasting for 60 days, or freeing a slave- this is applied if a fast is broken intentionally, Zihar is broken or if an individual is the cause of someone's death. Lesser Kaffarah involves feeding ten people, releasing a slave, or fasting 3 consecutive days- this is applied if an oath or Ila' is broken.
- Udhiyyah: Also known as Qurbani or sacrifice, it is required on Eid al-Adha for mature Muslims who possess Nisab. It involves sacrificing a sheep or goat and distributing the meat or, donating the animal's worth if the sacrifice is not performed.
2. Sadaqah Nafilah: Voluntary Acts of Kindness
- Lillah: Non-binding charity that can have any recipient and can be any amount. can be donated to institutions such as schools, hospitals, or mosques.
- Waqf: putting aside funds as a trust for a charitable purpose, either in a will or during one's lifetime (up to a third of one's assets).
- Aqeeqah: Sacrificing animals, with the option to feed the community, as a way of showing appreciation for the birth of a kid.
- Sadaqah for Removing Difficulties: this type of Sadaqah is to ease difficulties and can be given as ‘Lillah’.
- Sadaqah for Expiating Sins: donated with the hope of being forgiven by Allah for one's sins. ‘Indeed good deeds take away bad deeds.’ [Qur’an, 11:114]
Let our generosity be guided by compassion, purpose, and a passion to uplift people in need as we navigate the intricate seas of Sadaqah. In terms of giving, every deed—required or voluntary—contributes to the tapestry of kindness that defines the Islamic way of life.
In the mosaic of compassion and dedication, Sayaban Welfare is an Islamic charity that was established in 2021 with the aspiration of having a major impact on the lives of those in need. We’ll give you a rundown on who we are, why we exist and the transformative work we’re doing around the globe.
Who Are We?
Sayaban, an Urdu term which means "canopy," "shade," "sunshade," or "umbrella," perfectly captures our goal of putting poverty in the shade. Sayaban Welfare is an Islamic nonprofit organisation that firmly believes in the transformational power of kindness and giving. Founded in 2021, we stand as a testament to the collective strength that comes from people coming together to change the world for the better.
Our Purpose: Bringing Poverty Into The Shade
"Sayaban" is more than just a word; it's a symbol of opportunity, protection, and hope for a better future. Our goal is very clear: to bring poverty to the shade. This encapsulates our unwavering commitment to education as the key to long-lasting change. Our goal is to empower disadvantaged individuals worldwide through educational and vocational initiatives, giving them the tools they need to overcome the shackles of poverty.
Where Do We Work?
There are no limits to Sayaban's care. We offer our support to communities worldwide as a UK charity with a global reach. Our work has impacted people's lives in the UK, Malaysia, Malawi, Morocco, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. We pledge to never leave anyone behind, and we welcome you to discover the wonderful areas where our work has already had an impact and will continue to do so.
How Do We Work?
Sayaban Welfare stands as a beacon of hope, and when we work together, we can make the world a place where everyone can thrive. Come along with us on this incredible journey, and let's continue to illuminate lives, one act of kindness at a time.
A time for spiritual reflection, fasting, and charitable deeds, millions of people around the world eagerly await the holy month of Ramadan as the crescent moon graces the night sky. Ramadan is more than just a month when people refrain from eating and drinking throughout the day; it's a deep experience of self-discipline, empathy, and greater devotion.
Fasting as a Spiritual Journey:
Fasting, or "sawm" as it is known in Arabic, is the core of Ramadan. Fasting is more than just abstaining from food and liquids; it is a spiritual discipline that helps believers look within themselves. It's an opportunity to develop self-control, purify the soul, and strengthen one's relationship with Allah.
During Ramadan, fasting involves giving up, not only physical cravings but also bad habits. It is a holistic method of self-improvement that encourages people to practise patience, humility, and gratitude. Believers who experience hunger are reminded of the difficulties faced by those who are less fortunate, fostering empathy and a feeling of community.
The Power of Charity During Ramadan:
Giving charity, known as "zakat" or "sadaqah," is one of the main pillars of Ramadan. Giving holds great significance throughout this month of fasting. Giving charity is very important, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity."
During Ramadan, charitable deeds go beyond the required Zakat-ul-Fitr. Muslims are urged to do more deeds of kindness and charity, whether it is by serving iftar (the meal used to break the fast), supporting community projects, or offering aid to those in need. The power of charity is found in its ability to foster spiritual growth as well as the supply of material aid.
Zakat-ul-Fitr: A Symbol of Purification:
Muslims also engage in another type of charitable giving known as Zakat-ul-Fitr as Ramadan comes to an end. By donating to charity in this way, one can help those who are less fortunate, while also purifying those who fast from any impure deed or speech. It acts as a way to guarantee that every member of the community can take part in the happy celebrations of Eid-Ul-Fitr.
Fostering a Culture of Compassion:
Essentially, Ramadan is an invitation to rise above mundane aspects of life and embrace a more elevated spiritual realm. During this holy month, giving to the less fortunate and fasting together create a dynamic synergy that promotes empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility to the poor and needy.
Believers can harness the transformational power of Ramadan by accepting it as a spiritual journey as much as a physical challenge. It's a chance to develop values that will last well beyond the thirty days and make a lasting impact on both oneself and the community.
Let us embrace the spiritual meaning of fasting and the value of charitable giving as we set out on this journey of self-discovery and compassion, making this Ramadan a light of love and unity for everyone.
Muslims all around the world get ready to celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha. This celebration not only marks the completion of the Hajj journey but also embodies the spirit of sacrifice, dedication, and charity, as the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah approaches. Discover the meaning of Eid-Ul-Adha and the profound rituals surrounding the Hajj pilgrimage as we explore the call to charity that echoes this blessed time.
Eid-Ul-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice
The "Festival of Sacrifice," mostly known as Eid-Ul-Adha, honours Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Before he could complete the act, Allah provided a ram available for sacrifice instead. This event symbolises submission, faith, and the highest honour bestowed on unwavering dedication.
Muslims all around the world celebrate this happy day by performing the act of Qurbani, which involves the symbolic sacrifice of an animal as a sign of submission and gratitude. The value of sharing blessings with the community is emphasised by ensuring the distribution of the meat from the sacrifice, to family, friends, and the needy.
Hajj: The Pilgrimage of a Lifetime
One of the Five Pillars of Islam, the completion of Hajj, is closely related to Eid-ul-Adha. Millions of Muslims from all walks of life go to the holy city of Mecca each year on this pilgrimage. The Hajj rituals symbolise unity, equality, and the universality of Islam, as believers trace in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim and his family.
Every ritual holds great spiritual importance, from the Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba to the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina. On the plains of Arafat, pilgrims stand in prayer seeking forgiveness and divine mercy, fostering a strong sense of shared solidarity and submission to Allah.
The Call to Charity: A Guiding Principle of Eid-Ul-Adha and Hajj
Giving, or "sadaqah," is an integral part of the Hajj and Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations. By distributing the meat to the less fortunate, the act of Qurbani itself promotes inclusivity and a sense of shared blessings. This embodies the spirit of Islam, encouraging generosity, compassion, and the value of considering the well-being of others.
Muslims are urged to support those who are less fortunate, provide for the needy and participate in community development projects in addition to the Qurbani. The call to charity reflects the universal values of compassion and understanding, which transcend geographical and cultural barriers.
Celebrating Unity, Sacrifice, and Charity
The completion of Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha serve as a reminder of the togetherness that unites the Muslim community worldwide. The traditions surrounding these events highlight the values of generosity, devotion, and sacrifice, encouraging people to reflect on their own lives and make positive changes to the lives of others.
Let us embrace the call to kindness and welcome the spirit of sacrifice and compassion as we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha. In doing so, we embody the true purpose of these sacred events and, create a world in which compassion knows no boundaries and shared love unites people.
A beautiful tapestry of charitable acts is found at the core of Islam, offering believers a variety of opportunities to contribute to their communities. Together, we will break down the two main types of charity in Islam, in a way that is simple to understand and embrace.
Zakat: The Obligatory Act of Giving
As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, zakat is a compulsory charity-giving system designed to ensure social fairness and to purify wealth. Muslims who meet certain financial requirements are required to donate a portion (often 2.5%) of their accumulated wealth each year. The amount of zakat is determined using assets such as gold, investments, and savings. Zakat is a way of promoting social welfare and spiritual purity in addition to being a financial requirement.
Sadaqah: The Voluntary Act of Giving
The term sadaqah, derived from an Arabic root word that means "truth" or "sincerity," refers to any selfless act of kindness or charity. It is an optional, spontaneous kind of giving driven by a genuine intention to help others while being free from any specific obligations or calculations. Sadaqah can take many different forms, such as giving money, donating goods, or just lending a helping hand to people in need. Its adaptability, which allows people to show compassion in a variety of ways, is what makes it so beautiful. Be sure to check out our blog post that breaks down the categories within Sadaqah and each of their different rulings.
Harmonizing Sadaqah and Zakat: A Holistic Approach to Charity
Although each kind of charity has its distinct value, the teachings of Islam promote a holistic approach to donating. Understanding the differences between Zakat and Sadaqah helps Muslims carry out their charity obligations with accuracy and purpose. When combined, these forms of charity produce a harmonious balance that reflects the core Islamic teachings of justice, compassion, and community support.
Charity shines as a guiding light that offers believers an array of opportunities to make a difference in the world. As we have already broken down the main types of charity in Islam and the different categories of Sadaqah (which you can check out on our blog page), this blog post is dedicated to exploring other kinds of charity in Islam.
- Sadaqah Jaariyah: A Legacy of Goodness
Continuous charity, or Sadaqah Jaariyah, is not a separate category; rather, it includes any Sadaqah Nafilah spent on a project that would benefit society in the long run, e.g. digging wells or sponsoring a child. The foundation of it is in line with the idea of Waqf, leaving a positive legacy that helps communities in the long run.
- Qardh: An Interest-Free Loan
Qardh, also known as an Islamic loan, is a type of charity that is often given for welfare purposes. It adheres to two conditions: there must not be any interest charged or any additional benefits for the lender. Secondly, the lender must not show arrogance and remind the debtor of the favour for self-glory purposes.
- Interest: A Forbidden Path in Islam
Giving or receiving interest is explicitly prohibited in Islam. Avoidance is advised unless it's a life-or-death situation. It is required to donate interest that builds up in a bank account to charity to avoid the displeasure of Allah.
- Haram Income: A Moral Dilemma
Income derived from the sale of prohibited goods or obtaining Halal goods by using prohibited methods is considered Haram income. Therefore, disposal of the items, to the rightful owners, is required. If this isn't possible, dealing with Haram income is similar to dealing with interest money.
- Redemption from Haram Earnings: A Spiritual Journey
Redemption for those whose possessions are mostly derived from Haram earnings involves disposing of the entire Haram income, much like interest money. Making the switch to a Halal source of income is crucial, but can be difficult. This can be done by first identifying the haram earnings, then turning to a halal means of income. With the haram earnings, individuals must then donate an immediate portion to charity and then try to pay off this debt they owe to Allah in as short of a time as possible.
Integrate these different kinds of generosity into your life to embrace the Islamic joy of giving. Every donation, no matter how little, has value in the eyes of Allah, regardless of whether it is more of a structured form of giving or simply an act of generosity.