Infaq, Zakat and Sadaqah

Infaq (إنفاق) is an Arabic word meaning charity simply to please God without asking for any favoror hoping for a return. It is different from Zakat, which is obligatory on Muslims or Sadaqah which is charity for obtaining specific return or protection from some adverse event See: Zakat, Sadaqah

The distinction between infaq, zakat, and sadaqah is defined as follows. Zakah and infaq always in the form of wealth or properties, whereas sadaqah is not always in the form of wealth or properties, but can also be good deeds, such as smiles, nice speech, etc. Zakah (mal) is only mandatory to those who has wealth above their means. Infaq could be mandatory to those has wealth above their means, but it could also be sunnah, which can be paid anytime by those who has wealth above their means as well as those who are not, as an evidence of people who are taqwa (QS 3:133-134). From the age of six I was sent to the religious school in Johor Bahru, then in Malaysia, Johor was the only State who offered a formal religious education. It was separate from the normal government school that we attended. There, we learnt many things about religion in great depth. Through time we are bound to forget what we learn if it has never been practised before. My late sister was the one who reminded me to pay zakat when I started working. However these days children of well to do parents have savings for the children and zakat has to be given out even if the children has not reached baligh. Do check on this.Just a reminder. One of my many sisters used to do this when she was working. Every month I would watch her jot down her distribution list to whom she wish to give some money to when she gets her monthly pay. That includes mom, dad, grandma, uncle...., auntie... and the list goes on. I even get my share on a monthly basis. When I asked her at the end of it what she has left with her. Her answer was just a one word answer and it was 'enough'. She explained to me that Allah has given the rezeki to these people through her so never think that it's a loss from your account. Amazing, that was how I learnt the act of Sadaqah even when I did not understand the word or the meaning of the word. Subhanallah. God surrounded me with good people ever since I was a little girl.Thank you Allah.

Allah's Firman Surah Al-Baqarah:

2:261

to top

Sahih International

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

2:262

to top

Sahih International

Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it] or [other] injury will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.