Sadaqah - Voluntary Charity
The voluntary giving beyond zakat that multiplies rewards and softens the heart.
Sadaqah (الصدقة) encompasses all forms of voluntary charity, from financial giving to kind words and removing harm from a path. Unlike zakat, which has fixed amounts and recipients, sadaqah has no limits—a smile is sadaqah, reconciling people is sadaqah, helping someone carry their load is sadaqah. The Prophet (PBUH) said that charity does not decrease wealth but increases it through divine blessing. Sadaqah extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire. This teaching broadens the concept of charity beyond money, making generosity accessible to all, regardless of wealth.
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven ears; in each ear are a hundred grains.
Rumi taught that true sadaqah flows from love, not duty—when giving becomes a joy rather than an obligation, it transforms both giver and receiver.
Quran