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In Islam, Sadaqah is defined as a voluntary act of charity, performed with the sole purpose of pleasing Allah s.w.t. and without expecting anything in return. Sadaqah translates to ‘righteousness’ in Arabic, and it stems from the root word ‘sidq’, meaning sincerity. This illustrates that sadaqah is the sincerity of faith and a righteous behaviour.
The best of creation, our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was an exemplar of this, and the Prophet s.a.w is the best role model that we should take after. He was known for his generosity long before his Prophethood. He would give all that he had to someone who needed it more, and even allowed himself to go hungry to feed someone in need.
Let’s look at 5 reasons why you should give sadaqah regularly:
1. Sadaqah eases hardship and removes calamity
As Muslims, we believe that this world is temporary and that this life is a test. One way that Allah s.w.t tests our faith is through giving us hardships in this world.
Giving sadaqah while we are going through hardship shows the strength of our iman and our gratitude to Allah, as well as our sole reliance on Him. It is only He, with His infinite mercy that can change a person’s situation.
‘Allah removes what He wishes and establishes what He wishes, for He has the Mother of Books’. [13: 39]
By giving a one-off donation or a monthly contribution to any of our Core Projects, not only will you be lightening the burden of your brothers and sisters in their time of struggle, but your charity will be a protection against calamity in your own life, insya-Allah.
2. Sadaqah brings balance to society
Giving sadaqah to the less fortunate, orphans, widows, and those in need ensures that we live in a much fairer society by sharing the wealth we have. Giving charity does not only mean helping out financially but it can be any other act of kindness. The importance of sadaqah is that it benefits the whole community and looks after the vulnerable and less privileged for the betterment of the society.
3. Sadaqah is a way to earn rewards after death
Sadaqah Jariyah or ongoing charity, has long-lasting effects that benefits people on multiple occasions. By giving Sadaqah Jariyah, you will be investing in the hereafter for yourself or your loved ones and earn continuous rewards, insya-Allah.
4. Sadaqah will be your shade on the Day of Judgement We are taught from young that we have to prepare for the Day of Judgement by doing good deeds and avoiding sins. The person who gives hidden charity is one of the seven to be sheltered under Allah’s s.w.t shade on the Day of Judgement.
And every time you give charity which removes someone’s discomfort, Allah s.w.t will reward you for your deed by removing one of your discomforts in the Hereafter.
There are many ways in which you can remove someone’s discomfort. By giving to our Ehsan Food Hampers project, your sadaqah will go towards providing relief from poverty and hunger. You can help provide life-saving, nutritious meals and help those who are still struggling to put food on the table.
5. Sadaqah is one of the gates of Jannah
Baab As-Sadaqah is one of the eight gates of Jannah (paradise). Those who frequently give charity, whether to parents, orphans, widows, the needy, the sick, travellers in need or any other person in need, will be admitted to Jannah through this door.
Sadaqah does not just come in one form, however it can be given in many different forms and is easier to carry out than we might think. The Quran and Sunnah repeatedly emphasize the significance of practising regular sadaqah, and Allah s.w.t. has promised an abundance of reward to the person who does it.
We hope this article has inspired you to give back to the community and make any form of charitable contribution that you are able to.
Let’s lend a helping hand to those who need it the most.