Sadaqa comes from the word 'sadaqa' - to be truthful. The noun is Sidq; Sadaqa is derived from Sidq meaning that the person is giving charity to help the poor and needy confirming his true devotion and service to Allah.

Why do we need to give Sadaqa?

1. To help those who need our help is a sign of belief in Allah and confirms that we understand our accountability to Him;

2. This Sadaqa may be money; or our effort or a kind word; or not harming others;

3. There are certain guidelines in giving Sadaqa;

4. The rewards of Sadaqa is great;

5. Giving Sadaqa is a characteristic of Allah’s righteous servants.

Giving Sadaqa confirms our belief in Allah

If Allah blessed us with money, good health or knowledge, then we should acknowledge His blessing by sharing Allah’s gifts with those who are less fortunate. Some may need direct financial aid if they are poor and cannot meet their obligations. Others may need guidance in the form of sound sincere advice. Others may need comfort and a good word. All are forms of Sadaqa that will count in our favor.

The Qur’an tells us:

"Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and spend (in charity) out of the (substance) whereof He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend (in charity); for them is a great Reward."

Al-Hadeed 57:7

To Allah belong everything in the heavens and earth; we use what He provides for us during our life; He is the real owner:

"And what cause have ye why ye should not spend in the cause of Allah? For to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who spent (freely) and fought, before the Victory, (with those who did so later). Those are higher in rank than those who spent (freely) and fought afterwards. But to all has Allah promised a goodly (reward). And Allah is well acquainted with all that ye do."

Al-Hadeed 57:10

The reward that Allah promised to His servants that do good and spend in charity out of what He provided for them depends on :

Therefore, those who spend when the need is great are rewarded more than those who spend when times are good.

Abi Musa Al-Asha’ri ( may Allah be pleased with him ) related that the Messenger of Allah ( PBUH ) said :

"There is a Sadaqa ( charity ) due on every Muslim; if he cannot give because he has no money, let him work then he can support himself and give charity; if he is unable to work, then let him help someone in need of his help; if he does not do that, let him adjoin good; if he does not do that, then he should not do evil or harm others: it will be written for him as a Sadaqa."

Narrated by Ahmad,Bokhari, Muslim & Nesa’ee.

If we understand our accountability to Allah, we then realize that one day we will be asked to account for our money: what did we do with it? Did we use to help others and support good projects in our community and make life better for those less fortunate; or did we use it only for selfish reasons: to indulge and follow our vain desires! Those who use their wealth not in the cause of Allah but to amaze more wealth or to oppress others will be punished on the Day of Judgment:

"And let not those who covetously withhold of the gifts which Allah hath given them of His Grace, think that it is good for them: nay, it will be the worse for them; soon shall the things which they covetously withheld be tied to their necks like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgment. To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do."

Al-Imran 3:180

Guidelines for giving Sadaqa

The goal of giving charity is to help those in need without offending their feelings or to show off. Therefore, Sadaqa should be given:

1. In secret whenever possible;

2. In a way that does not show that the person giving Sadaqa is better or out of his generosity and good heart is helping the poor who cannot survive without him and who depends on him;

3. The goal is to enrich rather than just give a meager amount;

4. To give the best that we have.