Differences Between Zakat and Sadaqah (Normal Charity)

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)