Definition
Any act of giving for the sake of Allah beyond the obligatory zakāh. Includes financial gifts, smiling at a brother, removing harm from the road, and a kind word — all are ṣadaqah.
Pronunciation: ṣa-da-QAH
Etymology & Root
From ص-د-ق (ṣ-d-q), meaning 'truthfulness.' Ṣadaqah proves the truthfulness of the giver's faith.
Usage in the Qur'an
'The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains.' (al-Baqarah 2:261)
Usage in the Sunnah
'Ṣadaqah does not decrease wealth.' (Muslim 2588)
Practical Application
Set up a daily ṣadaqah — even a small standing order — so the day never passes without giving for Allah's sake.
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Related Terms
More from Fiqh Terms
The minimum wealth threshold making zakāh obligatory.
Pilgrimage to Makkah — fifth pillar of Islam.
The direction of the Ka‘bah faced in prayer.
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar — month of obligatory fasting.
The lesser pilgrimage — performed any time of year.
Obligatory annual charity — third pillar of Islam.