Islam is one of the most widespread religions in the world. Scientists believe that in a few decades, already every second will consider himself a Muslim. What is the reason for such popularity of Islam? Religious scholars can talk on this subject for hours in long philosophical discussions. But ordinary people who follow the texts of the Koran in their lives claim that Islam prescribes taking care of all the faithful in the name of Allah. The special attitude in Islam towards the sadaka. This term is quite deep and capacious, therefore, requires a detailed explanation. Today we will tell you about the types of sadak in Islam, its purpose and the rules regarding it in the Qur'an.
What is sadaka?
The term “sadaka” is quite common in Islam. First of all, the faithful who came to Allah recently should understand his interpretation. Usually they should be told to them by elders or wiser family members.
In a narrow understanding of the meaning of sadak in Islam, we can say that this is alms, which is given to the needy on a voluntary basis. But in a broader sense of the word, in which the sadak must be considered, it means absolutely any beneficence, done for the sake of Allah. It is believed that everyone who gives such charity receives the blessing of the Almighty and thereby accumulates good deeds in his earthly life. It is noteworthy that often the sadaka has an intangible character, a similar attitude to alms was adopted in ancient times. Currently, in most cases, alms are expressed in monetary terms.
Translation of a word from arabic
Interestingly, the translation of the word "sadaka" from Arabic fully reflects the meaning that it carries. In the literal translation, the term means “sincerity”, because only the sincere intentions of the faithful who gives alms can become the basis for obtaining the approval of Allah.
In many of the oldest religions of the world, there are words of the same root sadak. Similar terms are used by Jews and even Christians. And in Islam there are names derived from this word.
The meaning of sadaka
Sincere and voluntary good deeds are very important in Islam. Sadaka makes it possible to smooth out the difference between rich and poor Muslims, thus justice is restored and fraternal relations are formed between all social strata of the faithful.
It is best to give this alms secretly, in this form it is of great value in the eyes of Allah. One who can give another and not shout about it to the whole world will receive the blessing of the Almighty and his support in deeds. But open, public sadaka is not forbidden. It can be an inspiration to other people who in the future will become more generous to the poor, which is very important for the true believer.
Zakat and Sadaka: Differences and Similarities
Many people do not see the difference between these two terms and even confuse them, but in fact, despite the fact that both words are related to alms, they have completely different meanings and meanings.
Zakat is considered obligatory alms. It must be served by every Muslim and is considered his sacred duty. The amount of alms depends on the property status of the Orthodox, it is impossible to refuse to pay this alms.
Sadaka, by contrast, is a voluntary alms, which can be expressed in any good deeds. This alms can be perceived as a kind of stepping stone on the path of spiritual development of the Orthodox. He must grow to a sadak and perform good deeds with a pure soul and joy in his heart. Moreover, the amount of alms is not regulated by anything, it depends only on the intentions of the giver.
Sadaka and its views in Islam
Muslims know many types of voluntary alms, which will be valuable in the eyes of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad himself singled out eight types of blessings that the faithful can do, unable to distribute sadak in monetary terms:
- reading dhikr;
- censure all evil deeds and appeal to return to the true path;
- clearing roads from debris and debris that may interfere with the movement of other people;
- help on the way to the blind;
- mediation in communication between the deaf-mute and other people;
- helping anyone who asks for her;
- accompaniment of a person who cannot walk due to loss of strength;
- facilitating communication between people who find it difficult to do this on their own.
As can be understood from this list, the sadaka is a real set of rules for a merciful and kind person. After all, to earn the blessing and approval of Allah in the first place is possible with good deeds and only then with money.
To date, Muslims consider a good sadak according to the Qur'an, the following list of deeds:
- financial assistance to members of his family;
- financial support for relatives, despite the degree of closeness with them;
- helping the poor from a healthy and fearful poverty person;
- alms from a poor Muslim;
- help other people in any good deeds.
It is noteworthy, but the Qur'an instructs people to reasonably distribute sadak. They should give as much as they can take from their family without harm to their wealth. In addition, the owner of the house must count on the amount of alms for each of his household, who are in his care. He is obliged to pay a sadak and for them too.
The alms of the month of Ramadan
The charity in Ramadan is called in Islam the fitr-sadaka. Muslims are very responsible for this kind of alms. Alms must be distributed at the end of the holy month. The purpose of fitr-sadak is to unite the entire community, blurring the boundaries between the afflicted, the poor, the healthy and the rich. In Ramadan, every believer should rejoice and praise Allah, and he who has surplus should share it with the poor.
Since ancient times, fitr-sadaka has been considered a must for all who have food surpluses. After all, charity is in various products. Today it is flour, cereals, dates and so on. This alms should go to those who are in real need, so many Muslims give fitr-sadak to specially selected members of the community involved in giving alms to the poor orthodox. In principle, alms may also be given in monetary terms directly to those in need, this option is not the most popular, but Islam does not prohibit it either.
What prayer should be given to the one who received the sadak in the holy month? Every Muslim can answer this question. The fact is that giving alms to Ramadan is necessary before reading the festive collective prayer Eid al-fitr. Indeed, even those in need should rejoice with everyone and praise Allah for his mercy.
Which sadaka is considered the best in Islam?
This question is quite difficult to answer, because a lot depends on who gives alms and what is his financial situation. Interestingly, sadaka addressed to members of his family and relatives is always considered the most preferable. The same can be said when money is given by a poor person for whom each amount is registered.
But most appreciated is the sadaka, who does not interrupt with the death of a person. This may be the construction of a mosque in a remote village, a school for children who are unable to travel to the city and get an education, a shelter for orphans or, for example, planting fruit trees from which all members of the community can harvest.
Knowledge transfer is also valuable. Every Muslim who teaches the wisdom of others can consider this a kind of activity - a sadaka and be confident in the approval of his action by Allah.
A few words instead of a conclusion
It should not be considered that each alms should be expressed in monetary terms. If you want to cleanse your soul and give the sadak to the glory of the Almighty every day, then just be merciful, kind, caring to everyone around you and do not forget to start your day with a smile and a thankful prayer.