Q. What is the difference between Zakaat, Sadaqa and Lillah?
A. Sadaqa and Lillah is one and the same thing. Both is an optional act while Zakaat is a compulsory act.
Q. Explain what exactly is Sadaqa/Lillah? (From hereon both will be regarded as Sadaqa)
A. Sadaqa is an optional act of charity which can be given at any time, to Muslim or non Muslim. It can be given in the form of clothes, food, money etc. The concept of Sadaqa is so vast that Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam has said that even a smile will be regarded as Sadaqa.
Q. What intention can a person make when giving Sadaqa?
A. A person should give his charity (whether Zakaat or Sadaqa) only for the pleasure of Allah Ta’aala. A person can give his Sadaqa (not Zakaat) on behalf of another person. A Dua can also be made e.g. “O Allah grant my mother Shifaa (cure) through the blessings (Barakat) of this act of charity.”
Q. Will putting money in the collection tins or giving a few coins to the beggars also be regarded as Sadaqa?
A. Yes, every act of charity whether big or small will fall under Sadaqa.
Q. What is the benefits of Sadaqa?
A. Most importantly it will be a means of gaining the pleasure of Allah Ta’aala. Charity will also attract the mercy of Allah Ta’aala, buy the giver abundant rewards and can also be a means of saving one from a future calamity.
Q. If a person decides to give charity (Zakaat or Sadaqa), who should he look to first?
A. A person should first look towards his family whether immediate or far. If there is any family member worthy of Zakaat or Sadaqa then it is better to give it to them. Nabi Sallallahu alaihi Wa Sallam has said that charity to family members holds two rewards i.e. the reward of charity and the reward of keeping family ties.