You can never give too much sadaqah!
On-going charity (sadaqah jarriyah) is one of the best forms of charity to give. It’s not just about money. Daily practical actions can bring us loads of good deeds. It’s as easy as remembering to practice them. Remember to spread the word of this post – sharing knowledge is also sadaqah!
1. Keep A Change Jar
Abu Hurayrah (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (saw) as saying: “Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” [Muslim]
I can testify to the fact that charity does not decrease wealth. Whatever you give for the sake of Allah swt, Allah will increase you in barakah in this world and in the next. Keeping a jar for spare change and donating it when it when it gets full is simple, quick and rewarding. You can get the kids involved as well. Spare change may not mean a lot to you but in the sight of Allah swt and those that are in need, this change is a mercy.
2. Give Water
The Prophet (saw) said: “The best charity is giving water to drink.” [Ahmad]
Can you imagine waking up in the morning, turning the tap on and nothing comes out? And then having to walk for miles to get water knowing that it’s not even clean.
Worldwide, our brothers and sisters are suffering from a shortage of water and we can help. Get your friends and family together to fundraise to build a well in a country of your choice or where you feel has the greatest need. There are a number of charities that have water projects and you could potentially be saving a life.
3. Donate To Your Local Food Bank
Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) never used to eat a meal without there being an orphan at the table.
In the UK, the number of food banks has skyrocketed over the last few years due to sweeping welfare cuts and widespread poverty. Unlike us, poverty doesn’t discriminate and both Muslims and non-Muslims are using these services.
Ibn Az-Zubair reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say, “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbour to his side goes hungry.” [Sunan Al-Kubra 19049]
Simple things like tinned foods, toiletries and everyday essentials are needed by our neighbour who need us. Just picking up a few extra things on your grocery shop to donate to a local food bank at the end of the month or every other month could change someone’s life.
4. Plant A Tree
The Prophet (saw) has said: ‘A Muslim does not plant, or sow anything from which a person, animal or anything eats but it is considered as Sadaqah from him.’ [Bukhari]
In your garden, a friend’s garden, in an allotment or overseas, I urge you all, PLANT A TREE! Olive trees, fruit trees, berry bushes they all count and can be bought from as little as £10.
If you’re thinking of buying an olive tree, buy one in Palestine. Our brothers and sisters are having their lands ripped away from them by Israeli occupation or they’re being forced to work in Israeli plantations earning pennies unable to support their families. Help them, and inshaAllah Allah will help you.
5. Smile!
The Prophet (saw) has said: ‘Your smile for your brother is Sadaqah. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is Sadaqah. Your guidance of a person who is lost is Sadaqah.’ [Bukhari]
You’ll like this one because it’s free! Every time I see a sister smile at me in the street, it fills me with joy. Smiles are the tiny blessings this Ummah needs. Just think about how a smile can change your whole day?
If Allah swt has put you in the position where you are blessed enough to be able to give sadaqah then give it! You may be fixing someone’s duniya, but they’re securing your akhirah. They’re doing more for you than you ever know subhanAllah.
Marina Farook 