Meaning of Sadaqah: Definition, Evidence and How It Creates Change

Sadaqah is one of the noble acts of worship highly encouraged in Islam. It is not merely a form of giving wealth, but also an expression of sincerity, compassion and an effort to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah SWT.

Through sadaqah, individuals have the opportunity to share their blessings, support those in need and contribute towards improving the lives of vulnerable communities.

Today, giving sadaqah has become more accessible through online platforms such as MySedekah by Islamic Relief Malaysia, which provides an opportunity for people to contribute towards humanitarian efforts supporting vulnerable communities locally and globally.

What is the Meaning of Sadaqah?

The word sadaqah (صَدَقَةٌ) originates from the Arabic language. Linguistically, sadaqah means truthfulness or a sincere act of giving from a pure heart.

From an Islamic perspective, scholars define sadaqah as a form of giving that is performed solely to seek closeness to Allah SWT and His pleasure.

Sadaqah also refers to giving with the hope of receiving rewards from Allah SWT, without expecting anything in return from other people.

According to Ibn Manzur in Lisan al-‘Arab, sadaqah refers to a gift given for the sake of Allah SWT to the poor and those in need.

In summary, sadaqah is a sincere act of giving during one’s lifetime, with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah SWT while helping those who require support.

Reference: Meaning of the Word Sadaqah, Dr Zulkifli Al-Bakri

Evidence of Sadaqah in Islam

Allah SWT promises great rewards for those who give sadaqah with sincerity.

Allah SWT says:

إِنَّ الْمُصَّدِّقِينَ وَالْمُصَّدِّقَاتِ وَأَقْرَضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضاً حَسَناً يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ

Meaning:

“Indeed, the men and women who give charity and lend to Allah a goodly loan will have it multiplied for them, and they will receive a noble reward.”

(Surah Al-Hadid: 18)

This verse highlights that every act of giving performed with sincere intention for the sake of Allah SWT holds great value and reward in His sight.

Why is Giving Sadaqah Important?

Sadaqah does not only benefit the recipient, but also nurtures compassion, empathy and social responsibility within the giver.

Among the importance of giving sadaqah are:

1. Helping Those in Need

Sadaqah is one of the ways to support vulnerable families, disaster survivors, refugees and communities facing difficult circumstances.

Through donations, essential needs such as food, shelter, education and healthcare can be provided to those who need them.

2. Strengthening Human Connections

The practice of giving sadaqah encourages compassion and responsibility towards society.

It reminds us that the blessings we have are not only for ourselves, but can also be shared with others who are less fortunate.

3. Creating Opportunities for Continuous Good Deeds

Today, people can perform sadaqah more easily through trusted digital platforms.

This allows more individuals to contribute according to their abilities at any time.

What is MySedekah by Islamic Relief Malaysia?

MySedekah is one of the key fundraising initiatives by Islamic Relief Malaysia that aims to provide opportunities for communities to give sadaqah and support people in need.

Through MySedekah, funds collected are used to support various emergency response and development programmes in Malaysia and around the world.

This initiative enables people to make sadaqah a continuous practice that creates meaningful impact for vulnerable communities.

How are MySedekah Funds Distributed?

MySedekah provides flexibility for Islamic Relief Malaysia to allocate donations based on current needs and programme priorities.

This approach allows assistance to reach communities most in need, especially during humanitarian crises and disasters.

Support is provided through several key sectors, including:

• Emergency response
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Education
• Healthcare
• Food assistance and essential needs

Where Does MySedekah Provide Assistance?

Besides supporting communities in Malaysia, MySedekah funds also contribute towards Islamic Relief’s humanitarian operations in various countries, including:

• Syria
• Palestine
• Sudan
• Somalia
• Indonesia
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• And other countries requiring humanitarian support

Through Islamic Relief’s global operational network, assistance can be delivered to communities affected by conflict, poverty, natural disasters and humanitarian crises in a faster, organised and effective manner.

How to Give Sadaqah Through MySedekah?

Giving sadaqah is now easier through MySedekah by Islamic Relief Malaysia.

With a single contribution, you can support humanitarian efforts that assist vulnerable families, disaster survivors and communities in need around the world.

Regardless of the amount given, every contribution carries great meaning and can create a positive impact on the lives of others.

Give your sadaqah today through MySedekah and be part of creating meaningful change.

BANGI, September 12 – Malaysia once again became the host for the Inspire Programme as 21 volunteers from Canada gathered to take part in the international volunteer programme organised by Islamic Relief Canada (IR Canada) in collaboration with Islamic Relief Malaysia (IR Malaysia), held from 30 August to 8 September.

Since its introduction in Malaysia in 2018, this sixth edition has provided a platform for practical learning and cross-cultural exchange, while offering volunteers the opportunity to engage with local communities.

Throughout the programme, participants connected with 60 refugee students comprising 30 students from Refugee Intellectual Skills and Excellence (RISE) and 30 students from Al-Noor Enrichment School. Activities included interactive learning sessions, games, an educational trip to KidZania, and providing essential supplies. Volunteers also visited the students’ families and distributed food packs.

According to Inspire Malaysia Coordinator, Siti Noradilah Zainal, this year’s edition introduced participants to the Orang Asli community. Among the activities were visits to the Mah Meri Cultural Village in Pulau Carey and the distribution of 100 food packs to several Orang Asli villages.

“Despite the packed schedule, the volunteers remained fully committed. Their sincerity was clearly seen in their interactions with the children,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tarek Faid, Volunteer Abroad Manager of IR Canada, expressed his appreciation for the strong cooperation extended by IR Malaysia. “The children here are truly special. God willing, we hope this collaboration can continue in the future,” he said.

One of the volunteers, Seerat from Calgary, Canada, described the experience of engaging with refugees in Malaysia as extraordinary. “Seeing their resilience despite the many challenges they face has truly opened my eyes to the reality of their lives. It has made me more appreciative of God’s blessings,” she shared.

Apart from Malaysia, Inspire 2025 is also being held in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkiye, Kosovo, Albania, Makkah and Madinah, Indonesia, South Africa, and Morocco.