Sadaqah
صدقة
Pronunciation: SAH-dah-kah
Voluntary charitable giving — distinct from obligatory zakat.
Definition
Voluntary charitable giving in Islam. Unlike Zakat (which is obligatory and calculated at specific rates), Sadaqah is given freely in any amount, at any time, to any deserving cause. Sadaqah can be monetary or non-monetary (including acts of kindness, sharing knowledge, or removing harm from a path).
In Islamic finance, Sadaqah is relevant to purification of investment returns — when a portfolio generates haram income, that portion is donated as Sadaqah to cleanse the returns. Waqf (endowment) is considered a form of ongoing Sadaqah (Sadaqah Jariyah).
Related Terms
Zakatزكاة
One of the Five Pillars of Islam — an obligatory annual 2.5% charitable contribution on qualifying wealth.
Waqfوقف
An Islamic endowment — assets permanently dedicated to a charitable purpose.
Purificationتطهير
The practice of donating the haram portion of investment returns (such as interest income) to charity.
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Quick Answer
Sadaqah (صدقة) — Voluntary charitable giving — distinct from obligatory zakat. Voluntary charitable giving in Islam. Unlike Zakat (which is obligatory and calculated at specific rates), Sadaqah is given freely in any amount, at any time, to any deserving cause.
Key Takeaways
- Voluntary charitable giving — distinct from obligatory zakat.
- Category: Charitable
- Related: Zakat, Waqf, Purification
- Compare related Shariah-compliant products on HalalWallet
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-06
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