A Guide to Giving in Islam: Zakat, Sadaqah, Lillah, and Kaffara ๐
As we prepare for the blessings of Ramadan, letโs reflect on the different forms of charity in Islam. Each act of giving purifies our wealth, uplifts the less fortunate, and brings us closer to Allah ุนูุฒูู ูู ุฌูู. Hereโs what you need to know about Zakat, Sadaqah, Lillah, and Kaffara:
๐ฟ ZAKAT (Obligatory Charity)
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for eligible Muslims. It is calculated at 2.5% of your surplus wealth and given to the needy.
๐ Quranic Reference:
โAnd establish prayer and give Zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].โ
โ Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43)
๐ข Who Can Receive Zakat?
The Quran mentions eight eligible categories, including the poor, needy, and those in debt (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60).
๐ธ SADAQAH (Voluntary Charity)
Sadaqah refers to voluntary acts of charity, whether monetary or through acts of kindness. It multiplies rewards.
๐ Prophetic Teaching:
โCharity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.โ
โ (Tirmidhi)
๐ข Who Can Receive Sadaqah?
Sadaqah can be given to anyone in need, not just Muslims, and can be used for any act of good, such as feeding the hungry or supporting orphans.
๐ LILLAH (Voluntary Charity for Allahโs Sake)
Lillah is a type of Sadaqah given purely for the sake of Allah, without any specific guidelines on amount or eligibility. Lillah literally means “for Allah ุนูุฒูู ูู ุฌูููู”
๐ข How Is Lillah Used?
Lillah can fund projects like building schools, Masjid, wells etc. Its essence lies in seeking Allahโs ุนูุฒูู ูู ุฌูููู pleasure without obligation.
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๐ KAFFARA (Compensatory Charity)
Kaffara is an expiation for certain sins or missed obligations, such as missed fasts or broken oaths.
๐ Quranic Reference:
โFor those who can [barely fast], a ransom [as substitute] is feeding a poor person…โ
โ Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)
๐ข How Can Kaffara Be Paid?
For example, if one misses a fast without a valid reason, Kaffara involves either:
1๏ธโฃ Fasting for 60 consecutive days, or
2๏ธโฃ Feeding 60 needy people.
๐๏ธ Why Give Now?
Rajab, Shaban, and Ramadan are months of immense blessings. Multiply your rewards by giving Zakat, Sadaqah, Lillah, or Kaffara today to support those in need.
Ghazala Akhtar serves as the General Secretary of the Social Reforms Foundation, a charitable trust dedicated to transforming lives through education, empowerment, and social welfare. Passionate about uplifting marginalized communities, she works tirelessly for the welfare of madrasa students and widows, ensuring they have access to opportunities that foster dignity and self-reliance. Through her visionary initiative, #RozanaKhidmat, Ghazala Akhtar brings hope and support by helping at least one person every single day. Her unwavering dedication to social reform and compassion for those in need make her a beacon of inspiration and a driving force for meaningful change.
