The word ‘sadaqah’ literally means ‘righteousness’. In Islam, it refers to a virtuous deed or an act of kindness done without the expectation of getting anything in return. This voluntary charitable act does not necessarily have to be monetary aid. It can also be as simple as greeting someone with a smile or lending someone a helping hand. Sadaqah is a sign of sincere faith in the angels of Allah counting good deeds for mercy on the Judgement day.
While Sadaqah can be given in many forms, the best charity for illness is making dua for the ill person. Another form of Sadaqah that can be given to cure illness is sacrificing animals and donating the meat in the poor and needy. One can also give monetary aid to the community for treating one with blessings.
Being regarded as one of the most rewarding act, the power of Sadaqah comes from the intention of person performing it. Sadaqah can protect one from hellfire and benefit a person in this life. As per Sadaqah meaning, it is following the path of righteousness; hence, Allah protects his righteous subjects from misfortune and illness.
Types of Sadaqah
According to Sadaqah meaning, there are several types of charity in Islam that are listed below:
1. Offering dua
Giving Sadaqah can be as simple as making dua for someone, regardless of whether the person is praying for a loved one or a stranger in need.
2. Passing on knowledge
Spreading knowledge amongst the community or those who can’t afford to get it from somewhere else is also a form of Sadaqah.
3. Giving advice
Sadaqah can be given in the form of sage and reasonable advice to someone younger than the advisor.
4. A warm smile
A genuine smile can make up for a bad day at work or provide zeal to get through a tiring day. Therefore, smiling at a meeting, or while greeting and talking to others is also a type of Sadaqah.
5. Providing aid
A help with no hidden motives is the most generous gift anyone can give; hence is considered a form of charity.
6. Giving time
Time is among the most precious things in the world. Therefore, another major form of Sadaqah is to take time out for parents and significant people in one’s lives.
7. Tarbiyyah
Tarbiyyah refers to nurturing one’s kids. Making sure that the kids are brought up with good manners and values is an essential type of Sadaqah.
8. Being patient
Patience is a virtue that is highly essential to deal with problems. Being patient with others and having faith in Allah is an act of charity.
9. Having a good influence
One of the most important forms of Sadaqah is to advise misguided people influencing them to walk on the path of Allah.
10. Resisting evil deeds
Not doing or participating in any evil deeds like killing or hurting a living thing is also a form of Sadaqah.
11. Talking softly
Arrogance and rudeness are two things that should always be avoided. Instead, one should always speak kind words in a gentle tone.
12. Granting forgiveness
It is considered Sadaqah to grant forgiveness to those who ask for it with a sincere heart.
13. Being respectful
One should always show respect to both elders and youngsters.
14. Being happy for other
Being a part of others’ happiness without feeling envy or jealousy is also a form of Sadaqah.
15. Visiting the sick
It is a type of Sadaqah to visit the sick and take care of those in need of attention.
16. Removing harmful things from the path
One should remove harmful things such as stones or fallen branches from the road to decrease the chances of accidents.
17. Guiding someone
Guiding a misguided person on the right path is one of the biggest types of charity in Islam.