Waqf, Sadaqah, and Zakat – what’s the difference?
| Criteria | Waqf | Zakat | Sadaqah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | Any amount or asset | 2.5% of savings above nisab | Any amount |
| Frequency | One-time or recurring | Annual | Anytime |
| Nature | Voluntary | Mandatory (fard) | Voluntary |
| Usage | Invested in income-generating assets | Given directly to eligible groups | Any charitable cause |
| Reward | Lasting reward (ongoing Sadaqah Jariyah) | Immediate reward for obligation | Reward based on intention |
What is waqf?
A permanent charity, where the donated asset stays intact and untouched, benefiting people forever. Waqf has strict parameters that must be met. The asset is considered owned by Allah and is a voluntary donation, so you can’t donate your zakat to a waqf.
For example…
If you donate a piece of land as waqf, the local community can use it to grow food or raise livestock, but no person can ever own the land.
What is zakat
Zakat is an obligation on Muslims who have enough wealth to give 2.5% to specific groups who qualify to receive zakat, such as poor people and orphans. The charity is given to these people, and it is theirs to spend.
Zakat is a pillar of Islam and is a way of purifying your wealth.
What is sadaqah
Sadaqah is a general term for voluntary charity given at any time, and it can include any charitable act, such as donating food, clothes or money to a person, helping someone in need, or even a smile. Even doing dhikr is considered a form of sadaqah, accessible even to people who have no wealth to give.
What about sadaqah jariyah?
Sadaqah jariyah is simply an ongoing form of charity. If you donate to train someone with a vocational skill, or provide chairs to a classroom, this is an ongoing form of charity, as its benefit continues for years.
All waqf donations are a form of sadaqah and sadaqah jariyah, but not all sadaqah and sadaqah jariyah are a waqf.
All charities are important, but waqf is a unique investment in the ummah and in your hereafter.
Watch your impact and blessing grow by donating a waqf today.
