Islam & Care for Others (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Contributions to charity in Islam: zakah and sadaqah

• Islam is a religion that focuses on equality

• The Qur’an teaches that from the very start of creation, Allah did not want anyone to be deprived of the essentials for life

• The story of Adam and Hawwa (Eve) records this

• Therefore, no one should be deprived of a good quality of life

• Islam teaches that people have been created for the purpose of worshipping Allah

  • This is often referred to as ‘ibadah, and it means any action people do in the service of Allah

  • ‘Ibadah can involve praying for others or helping them in a practical way

  • Charity is an important way of practising ‘ibadah and is a core part of Islamic practice

  • Charity involves both zakah and sadaqah

Zakah (obligatory giving)

• Zakah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam

• It requires Muslims to give to charity

• Muslims must give 2.5 per cent of their wealth each year (if they meet the minimum wealth threshold known as nisab)

  • Zakah is not seen as a gift but as a duty owed to Allah and a right of the poor

• Zakah purifies the rest of a Muslim's wealth, reminding them that wealth comes from Allah

• Zakah can be used for:

  • The poor and needy

  • People in debt

  • Travellers who are stranded

  • New Muslims who need support

  • Paying workers who collect zakah

  • Freeing slaves (historically)

  • Those fighting in the cause of Allah

• The Qur’an states clearly that:

• Zakah cannot be used for:

  • Personal or family gifts

  • Building private businesses

  • Luxury expenses

Sadaqah (voluntary giving)

• Sadaqah is any voluntary act of charity, for example, money, time, a kind word or a helpful action

  • The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Even a smile is charity” (Hadith)

• Sadaqah is not required but is highly encouraged

• Anyone can give sadaqah, even if they are not wealthy

• Unlike zakah, sadaqah has no fixed amount or time

• Sadaqah can be used for:

  • Helping anyone in need, Muslim or non-Muslim

  • Funding humanitarian causes

  • Supporting mosques, schools or healthcare

• Sadaqah cannot be used for:

  • Personal recognition or rewards

  • Any actions or causes that go against Islamic ethics

Wealth as a loan from God

• In Islam, all wealth ultimately belongs to Allah

  • Humans are seen as trustees (khalifah) of the wealth they receive

• Wealth is considered a loan from Allah, and Muslims are expected to use it responsibly

• Muslims believe they will be judged on how they have used their wealth, especially in terms of how they helped others

• Muslims believe that Allah sees all they do, including how they share their wealth 

• Those who use their wealth in the service of others will be rewarded:

• Those who misuse wealth may face consequences in the afterlife:

• Muslims are encouraged to:

  • Spend modestly

  • Avoid greed or hoarding

  • Use their wealth to help others and earn a reward in the afterlife

  • Avoid arrogance, as wealth can be taken away at any time