Before we delve into further discussions about charity, let us first try to understand the different types of charity. At times it is Fardh or compulsory to give charity, other times it is Waajib and yet at certain times it will be optional.

This discussion is not meant to discuss each type in detail, but rather just to give us a brief overlook.

Zakaat

This is the compulsory alms-giving which Allah has given the order for in the Quraan. Its status is Fardh. Zakaat is only eligible upon mature, sane men and women who meet the Nisab threshold. 2.5% of their wealth must then be given. Zakaat must only be given to the specific eight categories mentioned in the Quraan.

Sadaqah

This is the general term used for giving charity in Islam. All acts of worship through financial expenditure are, by broader definition, classified as Sadaqah. Due to there being many types, they have been divided into the following two categories both of which have separate rulings:

1. Sadaqah Wajibah

This is charity which is binding in nature. This includes Sadaqah al-Fitr, etc.

This type of Sadaqah includes:

a. Sadaqatul Fitr

This is a charity which is a duty upon every sane Muslim, who possesses the value of Nisab beyond the basic necessities. Fathers are instructed to give Sadaqah al-Fitr on behalf of those children who have not reached of age.

The amount that must be given is equal to 1.75 kg of wheat or 3.5 kg of barley or its like. This does not mean that a person must distribute wheat or barley, one may give its equivalent value. (Because this fluctuates it is improper to specify a price.)

Sadaqah al-Fitr is Wajib which becomes due before ‘Eid Salah, although it is preferable to give it a few days before Eid so that the poor actually receive it and are able to spend it on Eid day. If one does not give the Sadaqah al-Fitr, it will remain due no matter how much time passes after Eid.

b. Nadhr

This is an action which becomes necessary due to one imposing it upon oneself. This can be done if one wishes to express gratitude, and the action can take on a number of forms, including Sadaqah. If a person makes such an oath of giving charity, that then becomes Sadaqah Wajibah. If they are unable to uphold the oath, they will have to give Kaffarah, and may be sinful.

c. Fidyah

This is compensation for missing Salaah or Sawm for a person who cannot perform them due to being in terminal illness. The amount for each missed Salaah or Sawm, is to give 1.6kg of wheat or its value (i.e. the same amount given for Sadaqah al-Fitr) to the poor.

d. Kaffarah

This is major compensation and like Fidyah it is also Sadaqah Wajibah. It applies in various situations such as if a person breaks a fast intentionally, breaks an oath, or kills someone, Kaffarah would then be binding as the form of redemption. There are five actions for which kaffarah will be necessary, however, they fall under two types.

Greater Kaffarah

For redemption of this a person may free a slave or fast for sixty consecutive days or feed sixty poor people for a day (i.e. give them the amount equivalent to fidya/sadaqatul fitr or give them two meals for the day). This Kaffarah applies to:

* Intentionally breaking Sawm (fast)

* Breaking Zihar (To consider one’s wife as Haram for oneself by comparing her to a Mahram – anyone too closely related to be marriageable)

* Being the direct cause of someone’s death (this is coupled with the set punishments).

Lesser Kaffarah

For redemption of this a person may free a slave (which is no longer applicable) or feed ten poor people for two meals in one day, or give each one of them clothing. Failing this, he may fast for three consecutive days (The order is also different from the greater Kaffarah). This Kaffarah applies to:

* Breaking/violating Yamin (an oath)

* Breaking Ila’ (To take an oath on not having conjugal relationships with one’s wife)

e. Udhiyyah

This is also known as Qurbani or sacrifice. It is Wajib upon all mature Muslims who, on the day of `Eid al-Adha, possess Nisab. Whoever qualifies for this is required to purchase a sheep or goat of more than one year in age, and slaughter that in the name of Allah after the ‘Eid prayer preferably on the same day. The sacrifice can also be done on the two days after Eid. If one fails to make the sacrifice in these three days he will still have to donate the value of the animal (this remains Wajib).From the meat he may eat himself and feed his family and also distribute meat amongst the poor Muslims.

2. Sadaqah Nafilah

This is charity which is not binding in nature but is optional. This type includes alms given for the removal of difficulties, philanthropic (to give out of mercy to the less fortunate), the general giving of any Halaal item to any one etc. This type does not need to be spent on the specified categories to be rewarding nor does it have to be spent on Muslims, although if spent on poor Muslims it would be more rewarding. This can also be bequeathed in one’s will (in which case it would be only up to a third of the deceased person’s entire estate).

The following are types of Sadaqah Nafilah:

a. Lillah

This is Sadaqah Nafilah but is a type that does not have the condition of having to be passed into the possession of a person, as it can be given to institutes (e.g. Masajid, hospitals, schools, orphanages, etc).

b. Waqf

This is to allot something as a trust for a certain cause. This can be during one’s lifetime or bequeathed in one’s will (up to the value of a third of one’s estate). When executed, the donation becomes the property of Allah (and thus has specific rules regarding it), and its beneficiaries are to remain those named as the cause (e.g. the poor, orphans, students, the people of a certain locality, etc.) The difference between this and Lillah is that with Waqf ownership is not given to people or institutes but only the benefits are ascribed. Like today’s trusts, Waqf also requires the care of trustees over it.

c. Aqeeqah

This is the sacrifice of an animal or two as thanks to Allah for the birth of a child. With this too can members of the locality be fed, preference again is for the poor and close family members.

d. Sadaqah for Removing Difficulties

One, at the time of donating, should ask Allah to make easy one’s deliverance. This can be understood from the Hadith:

‘Sadaqah soothes the Lord’s anger and protects against a bad death.’ (al-Tirmidhi, al Bayhaqi)

This type of Sadaqah can also be given as ‘Lillah’.

e. Sadaqah for Expiating Sins

One, at the time of donating, should ask Allah to forgive one’s shortcomings. This can be understood from the verse:

‘Indeed good deeds take away bad deeds.’ [Qur’an, 11:114]

This type of Sadaqah can also be given as ‘Lillah’.

f. Charity above the amount of Zakaat and Sadaqah Wajibah

This type of Sadaqah is the essence of Lillah. Although not categorised as necessary, this type of charity, as long as from pure means and with pure intentions, is always accepted by Allah. It is also this type that Allah has described as a beautiful debt, as He treats this charity as a loan which He will repay in the hereafter.