Character
Charity (Sadaqah) in Islam: Every Good Deed Is Charity
Even half a date given in charity protects you from the Fire. Quran verses and Sahih al-Bukhari hadith about sadaqah — and the many forms of charity beyond money.
Reviewed by the Nouf Quran Academy teaching team · Updated
Zakat is the obligatory charity on wealth; sadaqah is voluntary giving of any kind and any amount. The Quran describes its reward in one of its most memorable images.
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتۡ سَبۡعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٖ مِّاْئَةُ حَبَّةٖۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُۚ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing”
Even a little is accepted
Narrated `Adi bin Hatim heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying:"Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity
Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If one gives in charity what equals one date-fruit from the honestly earned money and Allah accepts only the honestly earned money --Allah takes it in His right (hand) and then enlarges its reward for that person (who has given it), as anyone of you brings up his baby horse, so much so that it becomes as big as a mountain
Charity is not only money
Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:The Prophet (ﷺ) said, Enjoining, all that is good is a Sadaqa
Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "There is a (compulsory) Sadaqa (charity) to be given for every joint of the human body (as a sign of gratitude to Allah) everyday the sun rises. To judge justly between two persons is regarded as Sadaqa, and to help a man concerning his riding animal by helping him to ride it or by lifting his luggage on to it, is also regarded as Sadaqa, and (saying) a good word is also Sadaqa, and every step taken on one's way to offer the compulsory prayer (in the mosque) is also Sadaqa and to remove a harmful thing from the way is also Sadaqa
فَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا ٱسۡتَطَعۡتُمۡ وَٱسۡمَعُواْ وَأَطِيعُواْ وَأَنفِقُواْ خَيۡرٗا لِّأَنفُسِكُمۡۗ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفۡسِهِۦ فَأُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ
“So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful”
Ways to give today
- Give a small amount regularly rather than a large amount rarely.
- Smile, help someone carry something, remove harm from the road.
- Teach someone a surah or a dua — knowledge that benefits keeps rewarding you.
- Give from honestly earned money; Allah accepts only what is pure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between zakat and sadaqah?
Zakat is an obligatory annual payment on qualifying wealth. Sadaqah is voluntary charity of any amount, and includes non-financial good deeds.
Is a smile really charity?
The Prophet ﷺ said “enjoining all that is good is a sadaqah” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6021), and listed everyday kindnesses such as helping someone onto their mount and a good word as charity (Sahih al-Bukhari 2989).