Islamic giving
Zakat vs Sadaqah: what is the difference?
Zakat is compulsory charity of 2.5% for Muslims above the nisab. Sadaqah is voluntary charity that anyone can give at any time, in any amount.
Zakat is a compulsory yearly payment of 2.5% on wealth above the nisab, given to eight named groups. Sadaqah is voluntary, has no set amount or time and can go to anyone in need. A Muslim should pay Zakat first and then give Sadaqah as often as possible.
What is the main difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?
Zakat is a duty. Sadaqah is a free gift. If you own wealth above the nisab for one lunar year, you must pay Zakat. Sadaqah has no such condition.
| Zakat | Sadaqah | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Obligatory (a pillar of Islam) | Voluntary and encouraged |
| Who gives | Muslims whose wealth is above the nisab for a lunar year | Anyone, rich or poor |
| Amount | Fixed, usually 2.5% of zakatable wealth | No fixed amount, any amount |
| When | Once a year, when the lunar year is complete | Any time |
| Who receives | The eight groups in Qur’an 9:60 | Anyone in need, including non-Muslims |
| Form | Mostly money or wealth; crops and livestock have special rules | Money, food, time, knowledge or kind words |
| If missed | It remains a debt to be paid | No sin, but the reward is missed |
What is Zakat?
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is 2.5% of savings, gold, silver and business wealth above the nisab, paid once a year. Livestock and crops have different rates.
Zakat is a right of the poor over the wealth of the rich. Read the full guide in Zakat in Kenya.
What is Sadaqah?
Sadaqah is charity given freely, for the sake of Allah. There is no minimum, and it includes more than money. Smiling at someone, helping a neighbour or teaching a skill can all be Sadaqah.
It also includes ongoing gifts such as wells, called Sadaqah Jariyah. Learn more in Sadaqah in Islam.
Can Sadaqah replace Zakat?
No. If Zakat is due on you, you must pay it as Zakat with the intention that it is Zakat. Giving extra Sadaqah does not remove the duty. Unpaid Zakat remains a debt in front of Allah.
If you are not sure how much you owe, use the Zakat calculator (KES) or ask your local scholar.
Should I give both?
Yes. Pay your Zakat first, then add Sadaqah. A Muslim who has paid Zakat is still encouraged to give often. The Qur’an, in 2:177, describes righteous people as those who give their wealth for love of Allah to relatives, orphans, the needy, travellers and others.
Who can receive Zakat and who can receive Sadaqah?
Zakat goes to the eight groups listed in Qur’an 9:60, such as the poor, the needy and people in debt. See Who can receive Zakat?
Sadaqah can go to any person in need. This includes your parents and children, whom you cannot give Zakat, and neighbours of any faith. It can also fund projects such as a school or a clinic.
Which one should I give for what?
- Yearly wealth above the nisab: give Zakat.
- Fitrana at the end of Ramadan: give Zakat al-Fitr, see Zakat al-Fitr in Kenya.
- A building, a well or a school: give Sadaqah Jariyah.
- Helping a family member or neighbour: give Sadaqah.
- Daily or weekly habit: give Sadaqah.
How can I give Zakat and Sadaqah in Kenya?
Go to the Islamic Relief Kenya donation page and choose the fund: ZAKAT for Zakat, or a Sadaqah fund for voluntary giving. 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).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?
Zakat is compulsory, a fixed 2.5% on wealth above the nisab for one lunar year, given to eight named groups. Sadaqah is voluntary, with no fixed amount or time, and can go to anyone in need.
Is Zakat or Sadaqah better?
They are different. Zakat is a duty and must be done first. Sadaqah is extra and brings additional reward. A Muslim should pay Zakat when due and also give Sadaqah as much as possible.
Can I pay Sadaqah instead of Zakat?
No. Zakat must be paid with the intention that it is Zakat. Sadaqah does not remove the duty of Zakat, and unpaid Zakat remains owed.
Is Zakat only for Muslims?
Zakat is mainly given to Muslims in need, within the eight categories in Qur’an 9:60. Sadaqah can be given to anyone in need. Ask your local scholar for special cases.
Can I give Sadaqah to my parents?
Yes. You cannot give them Zakat because you must support them, but you can give them Sadaqah and gifts. It is a good deed to be generous to your parents.
Does Sadaqah have a minimum amount?
No. Any amount is accepted, however small. Regular small gifts are loved. Sadaqah can also be a kind word, time or a skill, not only money.
When must Zakat be paid?
Zakat is due when your wealth has stayed above the nisab for one lunar year. Many Muslims pay in Ramadan, but you can pay on your own Zakat date in any month.
Is Zakat al-Fitr Zakat or Sadaqah?
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) is an obligatory charity paid at the end of Ramadan, on every person. It is different from Zakat on wealth, but it is also not voluntary like Sadaqah.
Rules on this page are widely agreed. Where scholars differ, ask your local scholar or imam. Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
Turn knowledge into giving
Give your Zakat or Sadaqah in Kenya shillings by M-Pesa or card. M-Pesa PayBill 949210.