What is the Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah?

The main difference between Zakat and Sadaqah is that Zakat is a mandatory payment, while Sadaqah is voluntary. Both are forms of charity in Islam, but they have distinct characteristics:

Zakat:

• One of the Five Pillars of Islam.
• Obligatory annual payment.
• Made to purify all wealth held above the Nisab threshold value.
• Typically 2.5% of annual savings.
• Given to a specific group of people, such as the poor, wayfarers, and recent reverts to Islam.
• Cannot be given on behalf of another person.

Sadaqah:

• Not obligatory, but encouraged.
• A kind gesture made with the intention of helping others.
• Can be given in any amount, at any time, and to anyone in need of help.
• Can be given on behalf of another person.
• Includes Sadaqah Jariyah, which involves continuous charitable acts like planting fruit trees, contributing to the building of water wells, schools, or hospitals.

In summary, Zakat is an obligatory annual payment made to purify one's wealth and support specific groups of people, while Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity that can be performed at any time, in any amount, and to anyone in need. Both Zakat and Sadaqah are important aspects of the Islamic faith and serve to help those in need and bring one closer to Allah.

Comparative Table: Zakat vs Sadaqah

Here is a table comparing the differences between Zakat and Sadaqah:

Both Zakat and Sadaqah are acts of charity that benefit society and people in need, but they have distinct differences in terms of obligation, purpose, calculation, eligibility, types, timing, and recipients.