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Types Of Charity
TYPES OF CHARITY
Whatever charities you give or vows you make are surely known to Allah. And the wrongdoers will have no helpers. To give charity publicly is good, but to give to the poor privately is better for you, and will absolve you of your sins. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.
Zakat
For individuals who are wealthy enough, zakat is a kind of financial worship that is required. In Islam, this donation is seen as a major act of worship. The definition of “zakat” is “to purify or to cleanse.” A Muslim purifies both their wealth and spirit when they donate Zakat to the underprivileged.
In Islam, zakat is Fardh (obligatory). Denying its mandatory nature is regarded as excluding someone from Islam.
For adults who meet the Nisab level and are of a reasonable age, zakat is required. If someone satisfies these conditions, they are required to pay 2.5% of their wealth in Zakat.
Zakat must be distributed to the specific eight categories mentioned in the Qur’an. If it is not given to these categories, it will be considered void and must be repaid.
Through Zakat, we not only fulfill a crucial pillar of Islam but also contribute to the welfare and upliftment of those in need, ensuring our wealth is purified and our hearts are aligned with the values of compassion and generosity.
The Prophet, upon be peace, said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Sadaqah
In Islam, charitable giving is referred to by this phrase. All acts of worship that require payment are categorised as Sadaqah. Because there are so many varieties, they have been separated into two categories, each by its own set of regulations:
Sadaqah Wajibah
Sadaqah Wajibah is a binding form of charity in Islam. It includes several types of obligatory charitable acts similar to Zakat, where funds must be allocated to the same categories defined by the Qur’an. However, unlike Zakat, the beneficiaries do not need to be Muslim.
This type of Sadaqah includes:
Sadaqatul Fitr
Sadaqatul Fitr is an obligatory charity for every sane Muslim who possesses wealth exceeding the Nisab threshold, beyond basic necessities. Fathers are responsible for giving Sadaqah al-Fitr on behalf of their minor children. The required amount is equal to 1.6 kg of wheat or 3.2 kg of barley or its equivalent value. This charity should ideally be given before the Eid prayer, preferably a few days prior, to ensure that the poor can benefit from it on Eid. If not given, it remains due indefinitely.
Nadhr
Nadhr refers to a voluntary vow that becomes obligatory once made. It often serves as an expression of gratitude and can take various forms, including charity. If a person vows to give charity, it becomes Sadaqah Wajibah. Failure to fulfill this vow necessitates giving Kaffarah (expiation) and may be considered sinful.
Fidyah
Fidyah is compensation for missed prayers (Salah) or fasts (Sawm) due to terminal illness or death, or for minor mistakes made during Hajj. The compensation is equivalent to 1.6 kg of wheat or its value for each missed act. Fidyah ensures that those unable to perform their religious duties due to valid reasons can still fulfill their obligations.
Kaffarah
Kaffarah is a form of major compensation for serious violations such as intentionally breaking a fast, breaking an oath, or causing someone’s death. There are two types of Kaffarah:
Greater Kaffarah: Requires freeing a slave, fasting for sixty consecutive days, or feeding sixty poor people for a day. This applies to intentional breaking of a fast, breaking Zihar, or causing someone’s death.
Lesser Kaffarah: Requires freeing a slave, feeding ten poor people two meals in one day, or clothing them. Failing this, one must fast for three consecutive days. This applies to breaking an oath or violating Ila’ (an oath regarding conjugal relations).
Udhiyyah
Udhiyyah, also known as Qurbani, is a compulsory sacrifice for all mature Muslims possessing Nisab on Eid al-Adha. It involves sacrificing a sheep, goat, or a share of a larger animal such as a cow, with the meat distributed among family and the poor. If missed, the value of the sacrifice must be donated.
Dam
Dam is a specific form of sacrifice related to Hajj. There are two types:
Dam ash-Shukr: Similar to Udhiyyah, this is obligatory for pilgrims.
Compensatory Dam**: Given for major mistakes during Hajj, involving the sacrifice of a sheep or goat, or a share in a larger animal.
Badanah
Badanah is the largest penalty in Hajj, involving the sacrifice of a large animal like a cow or camel. It is required for three specific acts and serves as the highest form of expiation.
Each type of Sadaqah Wajibah ensures that Muslims fulfill their religious obligations, contribute to the well-being of the less fortunate, and maintain their spiritual integrity.
