Difference between Sadaqah and Zakaat – Dr Zakir Naik

Difference between Sadaqah and Zakaat – Dr Zakir Naik Epi_19_15

Yusuf Chambers: What is the different between Sadaqa and Zakaat?

Dr. Zakir: By definition Zakaat means to purify, to increase, it means goodness, it means blessings and Sadaqa comes from the root word ‘Sidq’ which means sincerity so it is sincerity in faith of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).

Zakaat by definition according to Islamic Shariah it is an obligatory charity which every Muslim who owns more than the Nisaab level or surplus wealth, if he has it with him for a years period, he has to give 2.5% on it every year.

As far a Sadaqa in concerned, it is an optional charity. Zakaat is also worship of Allah, obeying the command of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).

Sadaqa is also worship of Allah, it’s obeying Allah but it is voluntary. The major differences between Zakaat and Sadaqa is that there are certain conditions required for Zakaat

No. 1 it is given on certain goods for example gold, silver, ornaments containing gold or silver, merchandize, it can be business activities, farm produce, cattle and all the categories.

Whereas Sadaqa you don’t have to possess any wealth that you have to give Sadaqa, it can be just given.. Sadqa.

Point no. 2 In Zakaat these properties and surplus wealth should be with you for one full year then you have to give Zakaat.

Sadaqa, there is no necessity of any particular wealth being with you for such and such a period, you can just give it without any time period.

Point no. 3 You should have a Nisaab level of these wealth. Only when it reaches Nisaab level for example if you have gold weighing 85 grams then you have to give Zakaat or silver 595 grams, if it is less than that no Zakaat is there.

Sadaqa irrespective whether the property you have less, more irrespective, you can give voluntary.

The other difference is Zakaat can only be given to the 8 categories who are permitted to receive Zakaat in the Qur’an

Surah Tawbah ch. no. 9 verse no. 60 the poor people, the needy etc. which we discussed earlier.

Sadaqa, it can be given to anyone, it can be given to the categories of Zakkaat, it can be given to the categories outside Zakaat, there is no limitation, no binding whatsoever.

Point no. 5 If a person who is liable to pay Zakaat and does not pay Zakaat and he dies then his children, his heir have to see to it that Zakaat is paid off, if its from his property before distributing the wealth, it should be paid off, that’s a liability which is not in the case of Sadaqa. Person who intends doing Sadaqa and he dies, his heirs need not fulfill that, it is his own intention, if they want they can, its optional.

No. 6 If you don’t give Zakaat which is a pillar of Islam...obligation, its compulsory; you will be punished for that.

As Allah says in Surah Tawbah ch. 9 verse no. 34 and 35 “You will be branded with the fire from hell with that gold in which you haven’t paid Zakaat”, which is not the case in Sadqa.

Point no. 7 Zakaat cannot be given to the descendants of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) which is not the case with Sadaqa, you can give it to the Prophet also and to his family...

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