Zakat and Sadaqah
Sadaqah is an entirely voluntary charity that can be performed at any time of year, and any amount can be given. However, Zakat is an obligatory charity due to every Muslim whose total possessions (cash, gold, silver, shares) meet or exceed the nisab threshol on a yearly basis.
Zakat has a number of stipulations regarding the type of assistance it can provide. However, Sadaqah can be used for any project or program that benefits people. In a number of sayings, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized the benefits of giving Sadaqah.
As Anas Bin Malik said, narrated by Bayhaqi:
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi)
Sadaqah
Ensures Allah’s protection and provision.
As long as you're generous with others, Allah ﷻ will be generous with you. One of the greatest benefits of donating to Sadaqah is that Allah ﷻ responds to every single action – big or small. You act so Allah ﷻ response. You give so Allah ﷻ gives more.
Zakat
A way to purify yourself & your wealth.
As one of the pillars of the faith, it requires all Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth to charity. Muslims must meet a certain threshold before they can qualify for zakat. The amount is 2.5% or 1/40 of an individual's total savings and wealth. Zakat can be paid at any time during the lunar year.
