Zakat at a Glance

Zakat is one of five fundamental concepts in Islam, also referred to as the five pillars of Islam. As such, it is a compulsory act that all Muslims must perform this duty, provided they meet certain conditions. The concept of Zakat is to purify one’s wealth and soul. All those Muslims whose savings meet or exceed Nisaab values are obligated to pay 2.5% of their total yearly savings to the poor and needy and for the welfare of the Muslim community. Zakat is calculated based on total savings during one lunar year. Even items like gold and jewelry fall under Zakat-able items and their worth is taken into account during the calculations.

Sadaqah

Sadaqah, on the other hand, is purely voluntary. It can be given at any time, to anyone and it can be of any amount or anything including a material object. As such, there is an enormous amount of flexibility here. Anyone can receive it but the idea is to give Sadaqah to those who truly need it. This is an act done purely to earn blessings of Allah (swt) and to assist other people. Saqadah can be any monetary amount however it is not limited to that. Food rations, clothing garments, any type of household accessories, work perfectly fine as well. In fact when it comes to relief aid efforts, such items are often desired and eagerly sought. The idea is to donate something for a noble cause at your own free will; not because it was preordained by Allah (swt) like Zakat. Sadaqah is not a religious obligation. It is, however, greatly endorsed and favoured in Islam.