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3.The Difference Between Sadaqah and Zakat

The Definition of Sadaqah and Zakat
According to Islam, the religion of peace invites all of us to help
and support each other.
Islam calls for society’s unification classes by giving money and
help to all people who need it. 
As Allah (S.W.T.) said in the Quran: 
 
 The believers are brothers, so reconcile between your
brothers, and be mindful of Allah so that you may receive
mercy.
(Qur’an, 49:10)
 
Muslims, by nature, give Sadaqah and Zakat because they care
about each other, so they help and support other people in the
community.
Islam always invites us to share and give to the people in need
through specific roles that are easy to apply and necessary for
everyone.
Our beloved Prophet once said:
An-Nu‘mān ibn Bashīr (may Allah be pleased with him)
reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The believers, in
their mutual love, compassion, and sympathy are like a single
body; if one of its organs suffers, the whole body will
respond to it with sleeplessness and fever.”  
These roles are how to apply Zakat and Sadaqah, whom to give
to, and how we can give to less fortunate brothers and sisters in
Islam.
Sadaqah and Zakat might be similar to some people, but there
are many differences.
Zakat 
It is a type of Sadaqah that is an obligatory payment for all
Muslims to give, it is the third pillar of the five pillars of Islam, and it
is compulsory. 
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Zakat should be given at a specific time of the year. When you

have to provide Zakat, you should make sure that your money has
reached the Nisab and you can calculate your Zakat. 
Sadaqah
It is a charity given voluntarily to Allah, and it is given to be closer
to Allah Almighty.
Sadaqah has many types; it is not specified as zakat; it can be
money or other things that are mentioned in Quran. 
Some of the Sadaqah types:
1. Teaching people.
2. Saying words that make people happy.
3. Smiling to people.
4. Sharing food.
5. Helping people.
6. Care about family and children.

These are not the only types of Sadaqah; however, they are the
most popular; the Quran contains many verses about Sadaqah: 
 Charitable men and charitable women who have loaned Allah a
good loan—it will be multiplied for them, and them is a generous
reward. (Surah al-Hadid, 18).
 In surah two, verse thirty-three Allah says: “And be steadfast in
prayer; practice regular charity, and bow down your heads with
those who bow down (in worship).” From the Qur’an, we learn that
giving is simply worth “the reward with their Lord: on them shall be
no fear, nor shall they grieve” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:274).
Also, every giving as Sadaqah can increase 700 times as Allah
Almighty said in the Quran: 
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of
Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in
each point is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His
reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing
and Knowing. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 261).
What Differentiates Zakat from Sadaqah in Particular
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If you thought that Zakat and Sadaqah are the same, they are

not. Zakat and Sadaqah are not that different, but their way and
method are different from one another. 
Sadaqah donations come in many forms; whether as money,
kind words, or by doing good deeds for others, and it is totally
optional, and doable at any time. However; Zakat is obligatory for
all Muslims, and it is donated only through giving a certain amount
of money. 
What Is the Difference Between Waqf and Sadaqah?
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Waqf is a charitable trust (Islamic endowment) that is formed
for some divine/noble cause/purpose such as worship
(mosques/masajid), education (schools/universities), relief
(shelters/refugees camps), public or community services
(utilities) and so on. The waqf originator ties up a property in
perpetuity so that it remains in service (providing charity or free
of charge services) forever. It cannot be sold, donated, or
bequeathed/inherited.
Sadaqah is a voluntary act (nafelah) that involves giving or
donating to a person or charity. By nature, sadaqah is not
sanctioned or imposed by sources of shari'a
(primary and/or secondary) as is the case with zakah, and
hence it is subject to no specific rules or conditions. However, it
commendable (mandoob/mustahabb).
Waqf is a continuing charity that comes in the form of an
institutionalized act of giving/donating, while sadaqah is a
personal charity that can be given or assigned to others in a
straight manner without having to establish a legal entity.
Naturally, waqf is a form of sadaqah (institutionalized sadaqah),
while sadaqah is uninstitutionalized waqf.