What Is the Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah

Zakat and Sadaqah are two interrelated terms that are deeply intertwined with the principles of generosity and benevolence in Islam. They represent significant acts of charity that Islam strongly advocates for, exemplifying the essence of solidarity and social justice within the Islamic community. While both Zakat and Sadaqah share the overarching goal of promoting goodness and aiding the impoverished and destitute, they diverge in terms of their methods, legal intricacies, and religious obligations under which they are practiced.

The Concepts of Zakat and Sadaqah

The concepts of Zakat and Sadaqah can be understood as follows:

What is Zakat?

Linguistically defined in Arabic as purification and blessings, Zakat holds the same essence in Islamic law. It represents the prescribed portion of wealth that Allah has mandated us. Zakat refers to giving this designated portion and signifies the growth and development it brings to your wealth. (Derived from "Fiqh al-Zakat" by Yusuf al-Qaradawi).

What is Sadaqah?

While distinct in name from Zakat, Sadaqah serves the same purpose. It encompasses all voluntary acts of spending undertaken purely for the sake of Allah. As stated in verse 103 of Surah At-Tawbah: "Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them, and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing," both Zakat and Sadaqah serve as means to seek the pleasure and approval of Allah, reflecting the sincere devotion and selfless generosity of the believers.

What Are Sadaqah and Zakat Benefits?

Zakat and Sadaqah hold immense importance as acts of worship in drawing closer to Allah. The Quran repeatedly links Zakat with Salah (prayer), with a notable occurrence in verse 55 of Surah Al-Ma'idah: "Your only guardians are Allah, His Messenger, and fellow believers—who establish prayer and pay alms-tax with humility."

Beyond their spiritual significance, Zakat and Sadaqah are vital pillars of the Islamic economic system, functioning as primary channels for wealth circulation. They embody the principles of social solidarity and establish a compassionate society within the Muslim community. 

These noble acts ignite a sense of shared responsibility and humaneness in the hearts of the givers as they extend their support and assistance to other Muslims, ensuring the provision of their daily sustenance.

The Ruling on Zakat and Sadaqah

The Ruling on Zakat

Allah explicitly commands Zakat obligation in various passages of the Quran. One such is Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 43:" Establish prayer, pay alms-tax,1 and bow down with those who bow down." The imperative form used in the Quran indicates obligation.

Moreover, during his farewell sermon at the Hajj pilgrimage, the Prophet Muhammad emphasized the significance of Zakat. As Abu Umaamah Sudayy ibn' Ajlaan Al-Baahilyy reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, saying during the sermon of the Farewell Pilgrimage: "Fear Allah, perform your five (daily Prayers), fast your month (of Ramadan), pay the Zakaah (obligatory charity) on your wealth, and obey your leaders; and (if you do so) you will enter your Lord's Paradise."

It is worth noting that in its general form, Zakat was initially mandated in Makkah, then detailed after the Prophet migrated to Madinah. The Prophetic traditions provide comprehensive guidance on its recipients, calculation methods, and distribution mechanisms, further solidifying its integral position in the Islamic economic system.

For those who deliberately withhold Zakat, the Sharia imposes severe consequences. As stated in Surah Al Imran, verse 180: "And do not let those who ˹greedily˺ withhold Allah's bounties think it is good for them—in fact, it is bad for them! They will be leashed ˹by their necks˺ on the Day of Judgment with whatever ˹wealth˺ they used to withhold. And Allah is the ˹sole˺ inheritor of the heavens and the earth. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do." Thus neglecting Zakat carries severe spiritual and legal consequences in the sight of Allah and His Messenger.

The Ruling on Voluntary Sadaqah

Voluntary Sadaqah, also known as optional charity, is one of the Sadaqah types, and holds no binding obligation; it is a heartfelt offering made by Muslims to seek closeness to Allah. Its forms are diverse and encompass acts such as feeding the hungry, generous spending, mosque construction, and sponsoring orphaned children.

Obligatory Zakat and Sadaqah Recipients

Zakat is obligatory for mentally sound Muslims who possess wealth exceeding the Nisab (minimum threshold) specified for Zakat calculation. The wealth must meet specific criteria, including:

1. It should be the rightful owner of the giver, not a debt or entrusted possession.
2. The wealth must be lawfully acquired through legitimate means like work, inheritance, or valid contracts.
3. It should not be designated as an endowment (Waqf), even if it comprises land or property.
4. The wealth should be productive, capable of growth, or a source of growth and benefit to the owner, ensuring that the giver does not become financially burdened after paying Zakat.
5. The wealth must reach the Nisab threshold.
6. It should exceed the basic needs of the giver, ensuring that paying Zakat does not result in personal hardship.
7. The giver should have the wealth for a lunar year for cash, animals, or trade goods.
8. Zakat should be directed towards those in need, the impoverished and the destitute, rather than the wealthy.
9. Transferring Zakat from one country to another is generally discouraged unless there is a pressing necessity.

In contrast, voluntary Sadaqah can be given at any time, from any wealth, except the wealth on which Zakat is obligatory. It does not have specific limits or conditions.

In summary, Sadaqah encompasses both obligatory Zakat and optional acts of charity. While both serve to draw one closer to Allah, bestow blessings upon worldly possessions, and increase rewards in the Hereafter, they differ in terms of their binding nature and specific regulations. To effectively channel your Zakat to needy families, seek Tkiyet Um Ali support today.