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What is the difference between zakat and sadaqah?

By · 2 min read
Charity box
Photo: Sebbog13, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Zakat is required; sadaqah is voluntary. Zakat is a fixed yearly payment of 2.5% on savings above the nisab, and it can only go to specific groups of people. Sadaqah is any charity you choose to give, in any amount, to almost anyone, at any time. It even includes a smile or a kind word.

Zakat: the obligation

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. If you have enough wealth for a full lunar year, paying it isn't optional, and the Quran names exactly who may receive it:

۞ إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةً مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ "Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise." Quran 9:60

Because it's a duty, zakat has rules: a threshold, a rate, a due date and eligible recipients. See Who can receive zakat?

Sadaqah: open-ended generosity

Sadaqah comes from the Arabic root for "truthfulness," because giving shows the truth of your faith. It has no minimum and no fixed recipients. You can give to a neighbor, a hospital, an animal shelter or a non-Muslim in need. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Every act of goodness is sadaqa" (Sahih Muslim 1005), so even helping someone carry their shopping counts.

Side by side

  • Status: zakat is obligatory; sadaqah is voluntary.
  • Amount: zakat is 2.5% of zakatable wealth; sadaqah is whatever you like.
  • Timing: zakat is yearly; sadaqah is any time.
  • Recipients: zakat goes to eight groups; sadaqah can go to almost any good cause.
  • Form: zakat is money or goods; sadaqah can also be time, effort or kindness.

One more term: zakat al-fitr is a small required charity at the end of Ramadan. See What is zakat al-fitr?

Which comes first?

Zakat comes first, because it's a duty. Sadaqah is extra on top. Many Muslims pay zakat once a year and give small sadaqah regularly, like a monthly donation or spare change every Friday. Both purify your wealth and your heart.

Key points
  • Zakat is a required pillar; sadaqah is voluntary.
  • Zakat is 2.5% yearly for set recipients.
  • Sadaqah can be any amount, to almost anyone.
  • Every good deed can count as sadaqah.
Tip: Keep zakat and sadaqah separate when you donate online. Most Muslim charities have a "zakat" option so your obligatory payment goes only to eligible people.

People also ask

When do I have to pay zakat?

Once a lunar year passes with your wealth above the nisab. Pick a fixed zakat date; Ramadan is popular but not required.

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Is zakat the same as tithing?

Not quite. Tithing is usually 10% of income; zakat is 2.5% of savings above the nisab, for set recipients. Here's the comparison.

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How much money do I need before I have to pay zakat?

The nisab: the value of 85 g of gold or 595 g of silver. Scholars differ on which to use for cash. Here's how to check yours.

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How do I calculate my zakat?

Add your cash, gold, silver and investments, subtract debts due now, check the nisab, then pay 2.5%. A simple step-by-step guide.

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Do I have to pay zakat as a new Muslim?

Yes, once your savings reach the nisab and a lunar year passes after your shahada. No back payments for years before Islam.

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