Types of Charity Giving

Zakat and Sadaqah are both forms of charitable giving in Islam, but they differ in meaning, purpose, and obligation.

Zakat

Zakat means “purification” or “growth” and is a mandatory act of worship prescribed by Allah. It is a fixed proportion of wealth (usually 2.5% of savings) that eligible Muslims must give annually to purify their wealth and assist specific groups in need (e.g., the poor, orphans, travelers, and others outlined in the Quran). Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a religious obligation for every Muslim who meets the criteria of wealth (Nisab). Specific categories mentioned in the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60).

Sadaqah

Sadaqah translates to “charity” or “voluntary giving” and encompasses any act of kindness done sincerely for the sake of Allah. It reflects a Muslim’s generosity and compassion, aiming to earn Allah’s pleasure and blessing. It is entirely voluntary and can take any form—monetary donations, feeding the hungry, helping someone in need, or even smiling (as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned). Anyone in need, without the restrictions that apply to Zakat.

 

Key Differences

Aspect Zakat Sadaqah
Obligation Mandatory for eligible Muslims Voluntary for everyone
Amount Fixed percentage (2.5% of wealth) Any amount or form
Purpose Purify wealth; fulfill a pillar of Islam Earn reward and show generosity
Recipients Specific categories in the Quran No specific restrictions
Frequency Annually (if wealth meets Nisab) Anytime

 

In essence, Zakat is a duty, while Sadaqah is a voluntary act of goodness. Both aim to promote compassion, equity, and care within society.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing charity that continues to benefit people even after the donor has passed away. It is highly valued in Islam as it not only helps those in need but also provides continuous rewards for the giver in the afterlife.

Acts such as building wells, schools, hospitals, or teaching beneficial knowledge are examples of Sadaqah Jariyah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized its importance by stating that when a person dies, their deeds end except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.

This type of charity creates a lasting impact, helping communities thrive and improving lives for generations to come. Muslims give Sadaqah Jariyah to support the less fortunate while earning spiritual rewards. Contributions can be made in various ways, such as donating to sustainable projects that provide clean water, education, or livelihood opportunities.

Our Ummah Trust will utilize these donations to uplift vulnerable individuals, breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering long-term development.

People often give Sadaqah Jariyah in honor of a deceased loved one, especially during blessed months like Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah, to increase their good deeds without diminishing their own rewards. Ultimately, Sadaqah Jariyah is a powerful act of kindness that continues to multiply its benefits over time.

What is Kaffarah?

Kaffarah is a charitable compensation made by Muslims for intentionally breaking any fasts during the holy month of Ramadan, without a valid reason.

How much is Kaffarah for Ramadan 2025?

To atone for the intentionally broken fast, you must fast continuously for 60 days. However, if you are unable to do that, then you have to feed 60 poor people at a rate of £4 per person. As a result, this amounts to £240 for each missed/intentionally broken fast.

Kaffarah for breaking a promise in Islam

Paying a kaffarah is also necessary for breaking a promise/oath. Therefore, for redemption of a broken oath, you must ask Allah for forgiveness, and pay the amount equivalent to feeding 10 people at a rate of £4 per person.. As a result, this amounts to £40 for each broken promise.

“[Fasting is for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew,” (Qur’an, 2:184-5)

What is Fidya?

Fidya is a person who is unable to fast during Ramadan due to reasons such as old age or a chronic illness with no expected recovery. In the Hanafi school, fidya is only paid by a person who is not able to fast in Ramadan, cannot make up for the missed fasts at any other time, and is not expected to ever regain the ability to make up the missed fasts. All three conditions must be fulfilled, otherwise, one does not pay fidya but has to make up the missed fasts.

How much is Fidya for Ramadan 2025?

£4.00 Fidya for each missed fast. This should provide 1 person with 2 meals or 2 people with 1 meal. However, if someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan, they would need to pay £120.

What is Zakat ul Fitr (Sadaqatul Fitr or Fitrana)?

Zakat al Fitr (also known as Fitrana and Sadaqatul Fitr) is a charitable donation of food that must be given before Eid prayer, before the end of the month of Ramadan, for the love of Allah. It is compulsory for every self-supporting adult Muslim who has food in excess of their needs on behalf of themselves and their dependents.

Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat al Fitr [Fitrana] to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah]

The quantity is described by the Prophet (PBUH) as 1 saa’ of food, and 1 saa’ is equivalent to 4 madd. A madd is the amount that can be scooped up when one puts their hands together. If we translate this into a monetary value based on the price of a staple food such as flour or rice, it is approximately £4.00.

How much Zakat ul Fitr (Sadaqatul Fitr or Fitrana)?

Please pay advance or before Eid Salah (Prayer).

£4 per person – Donate Now

Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Slaughter two comparable sheep for a male newborn and one sheep for a female.” [Tirmidhi]

When a child is born, it is a sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to sacrifice livestock and divide the meat between friends and relatives, as well as to community members in need. This is called Aqiqah, and it is a virtuous act in Islam.

Sadaqah

£10 will cover the required value of the weight of the child’s hair in silver.

Donate your Aqiqah with Our Ummah Trust

Donate your Aqiqah through Our Ummah Trust to support those in need. Muslims are encouraged to shave a newborn’s head and donate the weight of the hair in silver to help vulnerable families. While Aqiqah is traditionally performed on the seventh day after birth, it can be done later as well.

Our Ummah Trust’s Aqiqah Project provides Aqiqah meat directly to struggling families who often lack access to nutritious meals. In many regions, meat is costly and unaffordable for those in need. By distributing fresh meat packs to widows, children, the elderly, and displaced individuals, the project offers vital relief and brings comfort to those facing hardship.

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani means sacrifice. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God. Donating qurbani is highly recommended according to the majority of scholars and obligatory in the Hanafi Madhab for every Muslim who is financially able to do so. There are also qurbani rules which dictate which animals can be sacrificed, the quality of the life it has led, its health status and guidelines on how the sacrifice must be carried out.

Alhamdulilah, Our Ummah Trust through our trusted partners has undertaken the duty of Qurbani on behalf of our donors since 2015. By donating your qurbani to Our Ummah Trust, you will enable the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in 16 countries to enjoy Eid, as this is the only time many families eat meat in the entire year.