Zakat
- Obligatory in Islam.
- The third pillar of Islam and is a religious act in terms of wealth.
- Has a predetermined minimum sum (nisab) and specific time frame for payment (haul).
- Has predetermined recepients, that is, the 8 asnaf (recipients) of Zakat.
Sadaqah (Normal Charity)
- It is a sunnah act.
- Not a pillar of Islam but highly encouraged.
- Can be paid at any amount at any time.
- Can be given to anyone.
“And nothing do you spend in the least (in His cause) but He replaces it: for He is the Best of those Who grant Sustenance.” (Surah Saba’: 39)
(For the malay version, please refer to today’s Berita Harian, 17 Aug 2010)