Giving Sadaqah with the Intention of Both Zakat and Sadaqah: Its Ruling in Islam

4 April، 2024

Zakat and sadaqah are among the most significant forms of worship in Islam, where a portion of a Muslim’s wealth is given to support and assist the poor and needy in meeting their needs.

To avoid confusion between the two, this article clarifies the main differences between these concepts, some jurisprudential rulings on the relationship between sadaqah and zakat on wealth, and concludes with frequently asked questions about sadaqah and its relation to zakat.

The Difference Between Zakat Al-mal and Sadaqah

What are the differences between zakat Al-mal and sadaqah? The distinctions can be summarized as follows:

The Ruling in Islam

Zakat is a mandatory act prescribed by Allah Almighty on the excess mal of a believer under specific conditions for its distribution, whereas sadaqah is a recommended act of giving a portion of one’s wealth to a specified cause without any obligations or mandate from Allah.

Form of Distribution

Zakat is obligatory on specific types of mal owned by Muslims, such as barley, wheat, gold, and silver, etc. There are no restrictions on sadaqah.

The Eligibility

Zakat Al-mal are given to specific individuals and groups mentioned by Allah Almighty in the Quran, and it is not permissible to give them to non-Muslims or those whom one is obliged to support financially, such as parents. Sadaqah can be given to anyone without restriction.

Restrictions on Distribution Location

Zakat is collected from the wealthy and given to the poor of the same country, whereas sadaqah can be given to anyone.

The Ruling on Creating a Sadaqah Jariyah from Zakat Al-mal

It is not permissible to create a continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah) from zakat Al-mal; because zakat is an obligation, unlike sadaqah, which is a voluntary act rewarded greatly by Allah.

The performance of zakat is subject to specific conditions and is given to certain categories – mentioned in the Quran – which do not necessarily apply to the mal of sadaqah.

Percentage of Sadaqah from Zakat Al-mal

Islam has not specified a percentage of sadaqah from zakat Al-mal, considering that doing so is not permissible in Islam due to the different jurisprudential rulings between these two concepts.

Giving sadaqah from one’s Al-mal is recommended by the Prophet and mentioned in many Quranic verses, but zakat is a legal obligation that differs from sadaqah, as each has a specific intent and condition, but both seek the pleasure of Allah Almighty.

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Your zakat contribution reaches orphans and those in dire need of this support, fulfilling an act of goodness recognized by Allah, as He says: “Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.”

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Frequently Asked Questions About Giving Sadaqah from Zakat Al-mal

To whom is sadaqah given, and to whom is zakat given?

Zakat is given to eight specified categories as mentioned by Allah: “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.”

Sadaqah has no specific directives, and Muslims are free to give as they choose.

Is the reward for zakat the same as that for sadaqah?

The reward and virtue of an obligatory act differ from that of a recommended act, with zakat being mandatory and sadaqah being a voluntary good deed, but Allah rewards both, each contributing to acts of goodness and pure intention for Allah’s sake.

The Prophet said: “Al-mal does not decrease because of sadaqah.”

Which is better, zakat or sadaqah?

Each has its reward and virtue, but zakat holds a higher obligation as it is a mandate from Allah on Muslims.

Who are the most deserving of sadaqah?

Relatives in need have priority, giving sadaqah to needy relatives earns double reward: for charity and for upholding family ties.

Is it better to give sadaqah in mal or food?

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.”
Feeding the needy is among the best forms of sadaqah, as the Prophet said: “The best of you are those who feed the food.”

How much should I give in sadaqah from my salary?

There is no specified amount, but the more one can give with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure, the greater the reward. “You will not attain righteousness until you spend from what you love.”