Difference Between Sadaqah and Zakat: Which One
Should You Give?
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between Sadaqah and Zakat, you’re not alone. It’s one of those questions many Muslims quietly carry, sometimes unsure when to give each one, how much or how often.
Put simply, Zakat is a duty, while Sadaqah is a gift. One is written into the very pillars of our faith, the other flows from the generosity of the heart. Both matter, both transform lives, but they sit in different places within Islam.
Think about it this way: Zakat sets the foundation. It is the safety net that no Muslim can step away from if they meet the conditions. Sadaqah is everything that comes after - the extra acts of kindness, the moments where you give not because you have to, but because you deeply want to for the sake of Allah (swt).
This piece will walk through both - what they mean, how they differ and why we need them together. And if you want to dive deeper into the idea of ongoing charity, you can also read our guide: Sadaqah & Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam: Meaning, Types, Rewards and How to Give.
Definition and Meaning of Zakat
Zakat is more than money leaving your hands. It is a recognition that wealth never truly belongs to us. The word itself means purification and growth — and that’s exactly what happens. When you give Zakat, your wealth is purified, your soul is cleansed and what remains is blessed to grow in ways you can’t always measure.
As one of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat is a duty. It is not optional or dependent on mood. If a Muslim’s wealth crosses the nisab threshold - the minimum level of wealth set by Islamic law - and remains above it for a full lunar year, then Zakat becomes obligatory. At that point, 2.5% of eligible assets must be given to those in need.
So what counts? Savings, gold, silver, investments, business assets. What doesn’t? The roof over your head, the clothes you wear, the car you drive. Everyday essentials are not part of Zakat.
The Qur’an doesn’t just tell us to give, it also tells us who should receive. Eight categories are listed: the poor, the needy, those in debt, those working to distribute charity, travellers in difficulty and others. This ensures Zakat doesn’t float aimlessly but lands where it is most needed.
But Zakat is more than a transfer of wealth. It’s a pillar of Islam because it’s about more than numbers - it’s about justice and creating a more just world. It reminds us that wealth is a trust from Allah and part of that trust is to lift those who cannot stand alone. It also reminds us that nothing is truly ours and instead comes from Allah (swt) with a bigger plan.
Definition and Meaning of Sadaqah
Sadaqah is different. It is fluid, flexible and full of heart. The word comes from sincerity and righteousness in Arabic, showing that true charity flows from genuine intention. Unlike Zakat, it is not tied to thresholds, calculations, timing or percentages. It is whatever you choose to give, however and whenever you choose to give it.
So, what is Sadaqah? It can be financial - giving money to someone struggling to cope. But it can also be entirely non-financial. A smile, a
kind word, helping your neighbour carry their shopping, volunteering at a soup kitchen - these are all acts of Sadaqah. The Prophet ﷺ taught that even removing something harmful from a path is Sadaqah. It is as simple, and as profound, as that.
One of the most beautiful forms is Sadaqah Jariyah This is ongoing charity that continues to bring benefit long after you’re gone. Imagine building a well. Every sip of water taken is a reward for you. Imagine funding a child’s education. Every letter they learn is written into your record. Sadaqah Jariyah stretches beyond this life into the Hereafter.
While Zakat is about duty, Sadaqah is about generosity without limits. It gives us a way to live Islam every single day, not just once a year.
Because both fall under “charity,” it’s easy to confuse them. But when you look closer, the differences become clear
Here’s a simple way to see Sadaqah vs Zakat side by side: Zakat sets a minimum standard - a safety net to ensure that wealth circulates from those who have more, to those who don’t have enough. Sadaqah is limitless and is
a way of living generously every day Both work together, one as the foundation, the other as the enhancement.
Which One Should You Give?
The short answer? Zakat first, always. If your wealth meets the conditions, you must give Zakat. It cannot be replaced by Sadaqah, no matter how generous your voluntary giving may be.
But that doesn’t make Sadaqah less important. In fact, once Zakat is fulfilled, Sadaqah is what multiplies your rewards. It is what polishes the heart and brings softness into your daily life. Think of Zakat as fulfilling the contract and Sadaqah as going beyond the contract with love.
Both belong in the life of a Muslim. One keeps you obedient to Allah’s command, the other allows you to exceed it out of gratitude and hope. For more reflections, read our guide: Benefits of Giving Sadaqah: How It Protects & Purifies Your Life. Know more about Difference Between Sadaqah and Zakat: Which One Should You Give? Please Visit our blog page : https://muslimcharity.org.uk/news/difference-between-sadaqah-and-zakat-whi ch-one-should-you-give