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Charity holds a special place in Islam. It is not just an act of kindness but an expression of faith, compassion, and gratitude towards Allah. Muslims are encouraged to give for the sake of Allah to support the poor, uplift communities, and purify their own wealth.
Two of the most recognised forms of giving are Zakat and Sadaqah. Though both involve charity, their purpose, obligation, and reward differ. Understanding these differences helps believers give consciously and fulfil their responsibilities in the way Allah commands.
What Is Zakat?
Zakat is a mandatory form of charity and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is an act of worship and purification, requiring every eligible Muslim to give a fixed portion of their wealth (usually 2.5%) each year to those in need.
The term Zakat comes from the Arabic word meaning “purity” and “growth.” By giving Zakat, Muslims purify their wealth from greed and ensure that money circulates fairly in society.
Zakat is obligatory when a Muslim’s wealth exceeds the nisab threshold (the minimum amount set by Islamic law). It must be paid once every lunar year.
Those eligible to receive Zakat are listed in the Qur’an (9:60), including:
- The poor and needy
- Those in debt
- Travelers in hardship
- New Muslims and those working to collect or distribute Zakat
Zakat is a right of the poor and a duty upon the wealthy. It creates balance, compassion, and justice within the Muslim community.
What Is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is a voluntary charity given purely for the sake of Allah. It can be given at any time, in any amount, and in many forms, not just money. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Every act of goodness is charity.” (Sahih Muslim)
This means that Sadaqah includes:
- Giving food or money to someone in need
- Smiling or offering kind words
- Helping the sick or elderly
- Supporting a community project
Unlike Zakat, Sadaqah is not obligatory. It is a personal choice, motivated by love and sincerity. It brings immediate help to those struggling and ongoing blessings to the giver. Through Sadaqah, believers show gratitude to Allah, ease the burdens of others, and strengthen the spirit of unity within their communities. Even the smallest act, when done sincerely, carries immense reward and draws a person closer to Allah’s mercy.
Zakat vs Sadaqah: Key Differences
Both Zakat and Sadaqah bring immense blessings, but Zakat fulfils an obligation, while Sadaqah reflects ongoing generosity and sincerity.
Why Both Are Important?
Islam teaches balance between duty and compassion. Zakat ensures fairness and social justice by redistributing wealth, while Sadaqah nurtures empathy, unity, and kindness among people.
Together, they strengthen communities, ease suffering, and draw believers closer to Allah. Giving regularly, whether through obligatory Zakat or voluntary Sadaqah, purifies the heart and keeps the spirit connected to faith.
How Hope Welfare Trust Helps You Give?
Hope Welfare Trust provides a simple, trustworthy way to fulfil both your Zakat and Sadaqah. Through carefully managed projects in health, education, clean water, and emergency relief, your charity reaches those who need it most.
When you give Zakat, the Trust ensures it goes directly to eligible recipients according to Islamic principles. When you give Sadaqah, it supports ongoing initiatives that bring relief, dignity, and hope to vulnerable families.
Your generosity can change lives, uplift communities, and earn continuous reward from Allah.
Easily Calculate Your Zakat with Hope Welfare Trust’s Zakat Calculator
Calculating Zakat can sometimes feel complex, especially when dealing with savings, gold, or business assets. To make the process simple and accurate, Hope Welfare Trust offers an easy-to-use Zakat Calculator designed to help you determine exactly how much you owe.
By entering details such as your cash, savings, gold, silver, investments, and deductible debts, the calculator quickly works out the 2.5% Zakat amount due on your total assets. It ensures that you fulfil your obligation correctly while maintaining peace of mind.
This tool is ideal for Muslims in the UK who wish to calculate their Zakat accurately and give with confidence. Whether you plan to pay Zakat on savings, gold, or other assets, the Hope Welfare Trust Zakat Calculator provides a clear and reliable way to manage your annual giving.
You can access it anytime at www.hopewelfaretrust.org and complete your payment securely online, knowing your Zakat will reach those who need it most.
Play Your Part!
Every act of giving brings light to those in need and peace to the heart of the giver. Whether you give Zakat or Sadaqah, your contribution carries both worldly and spiritual benefits.
Donate through Hope Welfare Trust and let your kindness bring hope, healing, and blessings to those who need it most.
- Account Name: Hope Welfare Trust
- Sort Code: 20 36 43
- Account Number: 53891704
- Website: www.hopewelfaretrust.org
FAQs
What is the main difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?
Zakat is an obligatory form of charity and one of Islam’s Five Pillars. It is paid annually when wealth exceeds the nisab threshold. Sadaqah is voluntary and can be given anytime in any amount for the sake of Allah.
Is Zakat mandatory for every Muslim?
Yes. Zakat is compulsory for every adult Muslim whose wealth remains above the nisab limit for a full lunar year. It purifies wealth and supports those in need.
Can Sadaqah be given in forms other than money?
Yes. Sadaqah includes any act of kindness, such as offering food, helping someone, smiling, or giving emotional support, as long as it is done sincerely for Allah.
How much Zakat do Muslims have to pay each year?
The general rate is 2.5 percent of total qualifying wealth above the nisab value, including cash, gold, savings, and business assets.
Who can receive Zakat according to Islamic law?
The Qur’an (9:60) lists eight eligible groups, including the poor, needy, those in debt, new Muslims, travellers in hardship, Zakat collectors, and others serving in the path of Allah.
When should Sadaqah be given?
Sadaqah can be given anytime, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Unlike Zakat, there is no fixed amount or time, it depends on personal generosity and sincerity.
Can I give Zakat and Sadaqah through Hope Welfare Trust?
Yes. Hope Welfare Trust ensures Zakat is distributed to rightful recipients according to Islamic principles, while Sadaqah supports projects like clean water, education, and healthcare.
How can I calculate my Zakat correctly?
You can use Hope Welfare Trust’s Zakat Calculator to accurately determine how much Zakat you owe on cash, savings, gold, and investments. It is simple, accurate, and compliant with Islamic teachings.
What are the benefits of giving Sadaqah regularly?
Regular Sadaqah purifies the heart, brings blessings to wealth, and increases reward. It also strengthens community bonds and provides immediate help to those in need.
Can I give Zakat or Sadaqah on behalf of a deceased person?
Yes. Both can be given on behalf of someone who has passed away. The reward continues to reach them, making it a beautiful form of ongoing charity known as Sadaqah Jariyah.
