17 types of Sadaqah in Islam

Every Muslim should give Sadaqah every day. Paying money is not the only type of Sadaqah, there are 17 kinds in total.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: There is a (compulsory) Sadaqa (charity) to be given for every joint of the human body (as a sign of gratitude to Allah) every day the sun rises. – Sahih al-Bukhari 2989

• Sadaqah means a voluntary charity that can be monetary and non-monetary.
• 7 people who are not eligible to receive Zakat

Donating money/valuables

The most common type of Sadaqah is donating money or something of value to poor people. 

Make a Dua

Making a dua for someone you care about is a Sadaqah. For instance, if you are worried about the health of a beloved one and don’t have many finances, the best way to make a Sadaqah is to make a dua for them.

Spread Knowledge

Spreading knowledge is indeed one of the greatest types of Sadaqah. If you have knowledge or skills, try to teach them to the poor and needy. This way you are contributing to their better lives and that shall be counted as a Sadaqah on your behalf.

Giving good advice

If someone asks for your advice, always make sure you give them a good one. Think wisely and then guide others.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: Enjoining, all that is good is a Sadaqa. – Sahih al-Bukhari 6021

Smile

Greeting someone with a dull face and greeting someone with a smile is way too different. Always make sure you meet your fellow Muslim brothers with a smile. 

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: When you smile in your brother’s face, it counts to you as sadaqa. – Mishkat al-Masabih 1911

Helping others

Helping someone is a good act and way of performing Sadaqah. You can help a weak person with his chores, help an old one with his work, and so on. There are many ways of helping others: you may solve their problems or give them a helping hand.

• Ibn Abbas رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: A man’s helping his brother is sadaqa. – Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 422

Raising your children

Raising your children in a way that they are well-mannered is also a Sadaqah. If you teach them the good, they will turn out to be a Sadaqah for you even when you die.

Stop from evil

Do not think evil nor do evil: stopping yourself from doing evil is also a Sadaqah.

• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: Forbid what is objectionable. – Mishkat al-Masabih 1911

Talk softly

Talking to people in a soft manner is a Sadaqah. Do not be harsh and arrogant with people as Allah does not like that.

• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: Saying a good word is also Sadaqa.  Sahih al-Bukhari 2989

Forgive others

When you forgive someone, Allah knows that what you suffered for so he will bless you.

To visit the sick

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would always visit the sick. Thereby we shall follow the Sunnah.

To clear the path from harmful objects

If you see a stone, stick, banana peels, or other objects which may harm others while they pass by, do pick them up!

• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: Removing something harmful from the road is sadaqa. –  Sahih al-Bukhari 2989

Guiding towards the right path

If someone asks you for directions or if you find someone on the wrong path, guide them rightly.

Abu Dharr رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: Your guiding a man in a place where there are no guides is sadaqah. Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 891

Sexual relation with spouse

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: A man’s sexual Intercourse (with his wife, ) there is a Sadaqa.

Sahaba said: Is there a reward for him who satisfies his sexual passion among us?

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: Tell me, if he were to devote it to something forbidden, would it not be a sin on his part? Similarly, if he were to devote it to something lawful, he should have a reward. – Sahih Muslim 1006

Offering water to drink

Ibn Abbas رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ said: Giving water to drink is a Sadaqah. Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 422

Being just between two

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: To judge justly between two persons is regarded as Sadaqa. – Sahih al-Bukhari 2989

Family Spending

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: What you feed yourself is sadaqa for you. What you feed your child is sadaqa for you. What you feed your wife is sadaqa is for you. What you feed your servant is sadaqa for you.” – Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 82