Sadaqah in Islam: voluntary charity

The short answer

Sadaqah is voluntary charity given for the sake of Allah, with no fixed amount and no fixed time. It can be money, food, time, knowledge or a kind word. Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity, such as building a well, whose benefit continues for years. Anyone can give Sadaqah, rich or poor.

What is Sadaqah?

Sadaqah comes from an Arabic word that means “truth” or “sincerity”. It is a gift given freely to please Allah. Unlike Zakat, no one forces you, and there is no minimum amount.

The Qur’an praises people who spend from what they have. In 2:261 it compares charity to a grain that grows into seven ears, each with a hundred grains. See also Charity in Islam.

Who can give Sadaqah?

Every person can give, rich or poor, young or old. You do not need to own the nisab. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that even a smile is charity.

If you have little money, you can give your time, effort or knowledge. Sadaqah is about the heart and sincerity as much as the amount.

What are the types of Sadaqah?

Sadaqah is wider than money. Here are some ways to give.

Many ways to give Sadaqah
Way of giving	Example
Money	Giving cash by M-Pesa or in person to someone in need
Food	Sharing a meal, feeding a neighbour or an iftar guest
Time and effort	Helping an elderly neighbour carry water or shop
Knowledge	Teaching a child to read or a skill to a young person
A smile and kind words	Taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as charity
Sadaqah Jariyah	Ongoing gifts such as a well, a school or a tree

What is Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity)?

Sadaqah Jariyah means charity that keeps giving. A well that gives water to a village, a school that teaches children, or a tree that gives fruit are examples. Its reward continues as long as people benefit.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that when a person dies, their deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, useful knowledge and a righteous child who prays for them. Sadaqah Jariyah is the first of these.

In Kenya, where many families face drought and lack clean water, ongoing projects can change life for a whole community. Choose a trusted organisation registered with the Kenya NGO Board.

When is the best time to give Sadaqah?

You can give at any time. Some times are special: Ramadan, the last ten nights, Fridays, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, and times of hardship such as drought or floods.

Giving regularly, even a small amount, is loved. Many people set up a daily or weekly amount, for example KES 50 a day, and give it by M-Pesa. This amount is only an example.

How is Sadaqah different from Zakat?

Zakat is compulsory, with a fixed rate of 2.5% and eight named groups of recipients. Sadaqah is voluntary, with no fixed amount, and can go to anyone in need, including a non-Muslim neighbour.

Zakat does not replace Sadaqah. A Muslim should do both. A full comparison is in Zakat vs Sadaqah.

What are the manners of giving Sadaqah?

Be sincere. Give to please Allah, not to be praised.
Give from the good. The Qur’an, in 2:267, tells believers to spend from the good things they earn.
Do not hurt the receiver. Do not remind them of your gift or make them feel small.
Give from lawful money. Charity should come from halal earnings.
Start close to home. Needy relatives and neighbours have a right on you.

How can I give Sadaqah in Kenya?

You can help a neighbour directly, or give through a registered organisation. With Islamic Relief Kenya, go to the donation page and choose a Sadaqah fund. You can pay by card or M-Pesa.

You can also use Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210 with the fund name as the account. Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386).

Give Sadaqah today

Small gifts matter. Give by M-Pesa or card, in Kenya shillings or other currencies.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Sadaqah in Islam?

Sadaqah is voluntary charity given for the sake of Allah. It has no fixed amount or time. It can be money, food, time, knowledge or a kind word, and anyone can give it.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity whose benefit continues over time, such as a well, a school or planting trees. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that its reward continues after a person dies.

Is Sadaqah compulsory?

No. Sadaqah is voluntary and strongly encouraged. Zakat is the compulsory form of charity. Muslims should pay their Zakat and also give Sadaqah as often as they can.

How much Sadaqah should I give?

There is no fixed amount. Give what you can, and be regular. A small amount given often is loved. Do not give so much that you cannot support your family.

Can I give Sadaqah to non-Muslims?

Yes. Sadaqah can be given to any person in need, whatever their faith. Zakat is different, as it has eight named categories and is mainly for Muslims in need.

Can a smile be Sadaqah?

Yes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that a smile and a kind word are acts of charity. This shows that even people with no money can give Sadaqah.

What is the best time to give Sadaqah?

Any time is good. Ramadan, the last ten nights, Fridays and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are especially loved times. Giving during hardship, such as drought, is also very valuable.

Can I give Sadaqah on behalf of someone who has died?

Yes. Many scholars agree that giving Sadaqah for a person who has passed away benefits them, with the intention that the reward reaches them. Ask your local scholar for details.

How can I give Sadaqah to Islamic Relief Kenya?

Use the donation page and choose a Sadaqah fund, or pay with Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210 with the fund name as the account. You can pay by card or M-Pesa.

Rules on this page are widely agreed. Where scholars differ, ask your local scholar or imam. Last reviewed 2 October 2026.