Sadaqah Meaning
Voluntary charity. The meaning, Arabic, when to say it, and its source in the Quran and Sunnah.
صَدَقَة
- Transliteration
- Ṣadaqah
- Meaning
- Voluntary charity
Sadaqah is voluntary charity: anything good you give for Allah’s sake, from money to a kind word or a smile.
Sadaqah in the Quran
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven ears; in each ear are a hundred grains” (Quran 2:261).
It never makes you poorer
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity does not decrease wealth” (Sahih Muslim 2588).
Sadaqah without money
“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, enjoining good and forbidding evil is charity, and guiding someone who is lost is charity” (Jami at-Tirmidhi 1956, graded hasan).
Sadaqah vs zakat
Zakat is obligatory: 2.5% of qualifying wealth once a year (see our zakat calculator). Sadaqah is voluntary, any amount, any time.
Quran and hadith references link to quran.com and sunnah.com, where you can read the full text. Reviewed 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
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Frequently asked questions
What is sadaqah?
Sadaqah is voluntary charity: money or any good deed given for Allah’s sake, even a smile (Jami at-Tirmidhi 1956).
What is the difference between sadaqah and zakat?
Zakat is obligatory, 2.5% of qualifying wealth each year; sadaqah is voluntary and can be any amount at any time.