Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity and performing it strengthens faith, bringing a deeper connection with Allah.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Wealth does not diminish by giving Sadaqah (charity). Allah augments the honour of one who forgives; and one who serves another seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will exalt him in ranks.” (Hadith Muslim)
The benefit of giving
Giving charity lightens a heart, brings peace, shows obedience to Allah and also helps to make the world more just. The Prophet ﷺ said that:
“The believer’s shade on the day of resurrection will be his sadaqa.” (Mishkat al-Masabih)
But when are the special times to give sadaqah? Let’s explore them through some powerful ahadith.
Giving sadaqah in Ramadan
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan. “If someone draws near to God during it with some good act, he will be like one who fulfils an obligatory duty in another month, and he who fulfils an obligatory duty in it will be like one who fulfils seventy obligatory duties in another month. It is the month of endurance, and the reward of endurance is paradise. It is the month of sharing with others,” (Mishkat al-Masabih Hadith 1965)
First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” (Bukhari)
Sadaqah during sickness
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Treat your sick ones with charity.” (Saheeh al-Jaami)
During times of hardship
Good deeds and behaviour, especially during hardship can offer protection.
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
In times of ease
Those who spend their wealth in Allah’s cause are like grains of corn which produce seven ears, each bearing a hundred grains. (Quran, 2:261)
Charity, at heart, is an investment – in the world and people around us, and in your akhirah. It doesn’t matter how much or what form it comes in, so long as you are giving sincerely for the sake of Allah.
Sadaqah to mark life events: birth, marriage, graduation
Sadaqah can have a significant impact on health and family relationships. The Prophet ﷺ said, “When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah’s reward, it is regarded as Sadaqah for him.” Sahih al-Bukhari 5351
An aqiqa is also a form of sadaqah and one of the Prophet’s ﷺ sunnahs, which brings blessings and protection to a newborn child by offering a sacrifice.
The Prophet Mohamed ﷺ encouraged us also to celebrate good occasions like marriage generously. He ﷺ asked Abudlrahamn Ibn Auf about his marriage, “How much Mahr did you pay her?” He said, “I paid gold equal to the weight of a date stone.” Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said to him, “Give a wedding banquet, even if with one sheep.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The best times in the calendar to give sadaqah
Particular times throughout the year when giving charity is encouraged and rewarded include:
1- Ramadan: when good deeds are believed to be multiplied many times over.
2- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: These holy and festive days are also times when Muslims are encouraged to give sadaqah and share the joy and blessings of Eid with those in need.
3- The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah: Sadaqah is highly rewarded during these days, especially on the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha.
4- The 15th night of Sha’ban is said to be one of the greatest nights of the year. On this night, Allah descends to the lowest heaven to forgive repenting Muslims. Therefore, we should seek Allah’s forgiveness by making dua and offering sadaqah.
Not only is giving charity a beautiful act of social justice, but it’s also beneficial to the person who gives, cleansing their soul, teaching selflessness, and protecting them from harm.
