Religion

Understanding Vows (Nadhr) and Donations (Sadaqah) in Islam

This article explores the concepts of vows (Nadhr) and donations (Sadaqah) within Islam, highlighting their key differences and purposes.

Vows: A Conditional Promise to Allah

A vow, known as Nadhr in Arabic, signifies a conditional promise made by a Muslim to Allah. It involves pledging to perform a specific act of worship or abstain from something in exchange for a desired outcome.

For instance, someone might vow to fast for a certain number of days if their ailing child recovers. Upon the fulfillment of the desired outcome, fulfilling the vow becomes obligatory. Neglecting it is considered a sin.

Donations: Voluntary Acts of Generosity

Sadaqah, the Arabic term for donation, represents a voluntary act of giving. It encompasses offering money, goods, or services to benefit others. Donations are highly encouraged in Islam, fostering the virtue of generosity.

Muslims can contribute Sadaqah to various charitable causes. This includes supporting the underprivileged, funding educational or healthcare initiatives, or aiding in the maintenance of mosques and other religious institutions.

Key Differences: Purpose and Fulfillment

The core distinction between vows and donations lies in their purpose and fulfillment.

  • Purpose: Vows are made with a specific goal in mind, often seeking Allah’s intervention for a desired outcome. Donations hold no such conditions and are motivated purely by the intention to help others.
  • Fulfillment: Fulfilling a vow becomes obligatory upon the realization of the desired outcome. Donations, on the other hand, are entirely voluntary, with no repercussions for not giving.

In Conclusion: Two Paths to Divine Favor

Both vows and donations serve as pathways to earning Allah’s favor. Vows demonstrate sincere commitment and dependence on Allah, while donations cultivate compassion and social responsibility. By understanding these concepts, Muslims can make informed choices regarding their charitable practices and spiritual commitments.

Ibadah / Acts of WorshipReligion

Yes, donating or giving to charity is an important aspect of Islamic practice, and it is considered a way to earn reward and gain the pleasure of Allah.

The Virtuous Act of Giving in Islam: Zakat and Sadaqah

Giving to charity is a cornerstone of Islamic faith, deeply woven into the fabric of Muslim life. It’s more than just helping those in need; it’s a spiritual act with profound rewards, fostering a connection with Allah and strengthening communities. Let’s delve into the two main forms of charitable giving in Islam: Zakat and Sadaqah.

Zakat: A Pillar of Islam and Purification of Wealth

Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory form of charity. Muslims who meet a specific wealth threshold are obligated to donate a fixed percentage (2.5%) of their qualifying assets annually. Zakat on crypto (Bitcoin(BTC) – Ethereum(ETH) – all types of stable coins such as Tether – types of ETFs – assets on DeFi or types of NFTs) is also calculated based on 2.5% and you can calculate your zakat from here.
This purifies their wealth and ensures its circulation within the community. Zakat funds support various causes, including:

  • Providing food and shelter for the poor.
  • Supporting education and healthcare initiatives.
  • Assisting those in need during emergencies.

Sadaqah: Voluntary Charity for All

Sadaqah, meaning “voluntary charity,” encompasses a wide range of acts of generosity. It can be as simple as offering a kind word, donating money or food, or even giving your time to help others. Sadaqah is not mandatory, but it’s highly encouraged in Islam. It allows everyone, regardless of wealth, to participate in the act of giving and contribute to the well-being of their community.

The Power of Giving: Earning Rewards and Building a Better World

Giving(Sadaqah or Sadaqa) in Islam transcends mere financial contributions. It cultivates a spirit of compassion and social responsibility. By helping others, Muslims express gratitude for their blessings and fulfill their duty towards humanity. Here are some key benefits of Sadaqah in Islam:

  • Earning Divine Favor: Sadaqah pleases Allah and paves the way for His mercy and blessings.
  • Purifying Wealth: Giving Zakat and Sadaqah purifies one’s wealth and fosters a sense of detachment from material possessions.
  • Strengthening Communities: Charitable contributions support those in need, leading to a more just and equitable society.
  • Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Acts of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), like building wells or schools, continue to benefit others even after the giver’s lifetime.

Giving in the Modern World

Today, Muslims have access to a variety of convenient and secure methods to donate, including online platforms and cryptocurrency options. This makes fulfilling Zakat and practicing Sadaqah easier than ever before.

Giving in Islam is Beautiful

Donating to charity is an important part of Islamic practice, and it is considered a way to earn reward and gain the pleasure of Allah. Through charitable giving, Muslims can help to build a more just and equitable society, and cultivate a spirit of generosity and compassion that is central to the teachings of Islam.
Giving in Islam is a beautiful expression of faith and compassion. By incorporating Zakat and Sadaqah into their lives, Muslims can contribute to a world where generosity flourishes and communities thrive. This act of giving not only benefits the recipient but also enriches the giver’s spiritual journey.

ReligionSadaqahZakat

Kaffarah in Islam refers to the mandatory expiation required for certain violations in Islamic law or religious obligations. It is a form of atonement through which a person seeks forgiveness and makes amends for the violation committed.

Kaffarah(Expiation) can take various forms, such as fasting, feeding the poor, or giving monetary compensation. The type and amount of kaffarah required depend on the nature of the violation committed and the circumstances of the individual.

The purpose of kaffarah is to purify oneself from sin, seek forgiveness from Allah, and restore one’s relationship with Him. It is not intended as a form of punishment but rather as a means of making amends and seeking forgiveness.

The concept of expiation in Islam is closely related to the idea of repentance (tawbah), which involves acknowledging one’s wrongdoing, feeling remorse, and making a commitment to change one’s behavior. Expiation is seen as a necessary step in the process of repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

Kaffarah is an essential concept in Islamic jurisprudence, and its practice is based on the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah (the actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad). It serves as a reminder of the importance of following Islamic law and fulfilling religious obligations. Overall, kaffarah is a way to seek forgiveness and make amends for violations committed, purify oneself from sin, and restore one’s relationship with Allah.

Quranic Verses:
“And whoever does that in aggression and injustice – then We will soon cast him into a Fire. And that, for Allah, is [always] easy. If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance [into Paradise].” (Quran 4:30-31)

“And if any of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp (necessitating shaving), (he should) in compensation either fast, or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice.” (Quran 2:196)

here is a detailed explanation of the amount and type of payment required for each mandatory expiation (kaffarah) in Islamic jurisprudence:
1. Kaffarah for breaking an oath (yamin): The kaffarah for breaking an oath is to fast for three consecutive days, feed ten poor people, or clothe them. If a person cannot do any of these, then they must fast for three days. The amount of food to be given to each poor person is half a sa’ (approximately 1.5 kg) of wheat, barley, dates, or any other staple food of the region.
2. Kaffarah for breaking a fast (sawm): The kaffarah for breaking a fast during Ramadan is to fast for sixty consecutive days or feed sixty poor people. If a person cannot do either of these, then they must feed one poor person for each day of fasting that they missed. The amount of food to be given to each poor person is one mudd (approximately 750 grams) of wheat, barley, dates, or any other staple food of the region.
3. Kaffarah for killing an animal (dam): The kaffarah for killing an animal without a valid reason is to either free a slave, fast for sixty consecutive days, or feed sixty poor people. If a person cannot do any of these, then they must fast for sixty days. The amount of food to be given to each poor person is one mudd (approximately 750 grams) of wheat, barley, dates, or any other staple food of the region.
4. Kaffarah for having sexual relations during the day in Ramadan: The kaffarah for having sexual relations during the day in Ramadan is to either fast for sixty consecutive days or feed sixty poor people. If a person cannot do either of these, then they must feed one poor person for each day of fasting that they missed. The amount of food to be given to each poor person is one mudd (approximately 750 grams) of wheat, barley, dates, or any other staple food of the region.
5. Kaffarah for consuming usury (riba): The kaffarah for consuming or dealing with usury (riba) is to give up all profits made through usury and also make an additional payment equal to the amount of the original transaction to a charitable cause.
6. Kaffarah for abandoning the obligatory prayers: The kaffarah for continuously abandoning the obligatory prayers without a valid excuse is to repent and make up all the missed prayers, as well as perform additional acts of worship and good deeds to seek forgiveness from Allah. It is important to note that abandoning the obligatory prayers is a serious violation in Islam, and it is essential to take steps to make up for the missed prayers and seek forgiveness from Allah. The focus should be on repentance and making a sincere effort to improve one’s relationship with Allah and fulfill one’s religious obligations.

It is important to note that the amounts and types of payment mentioned above may vary depending on the circumstances and the region. However, the basic principle is to provide enough food or other forms of payment to fulfill the obligation of kaffarah and seek forgiveness from Allah.

KaffarahReligion

The cases in which Zakat can be spent according to the treatises of each of the Marja’ Taqlids are as follows. It has been tried to collect these cases based on the principle of his treatise.

 

  1. Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani: According to Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: According to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

 

  1. Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi al-Modarresi: According to Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi al-Modarresi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi: According to Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Muhammad al-Fayadh: According to Ayatollah Muhammad al-Fayadh’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: According to Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Muhammad Saeed al-Hakim: According to Ayatollah Muhammad Saeed al-Hakim’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Muhammad al-Yaqoubi: According to Ayatollah Muhammad al-Yaqoubi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • Tosupport the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Akhtari: According to Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Akhtari’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Hussein Vahid Khorasani: According to Ayatollah Hussein Vahid Khorasani’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Mohaqiq Kabuli: According to Ayatollah Mohaqiq Kabuli’s treatise of Islamic laws, Zakat can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of poor and needy individuals.
  • To support the needs of those who are in debt.
  • To support the needs of travelers who are stranded or in need of assistance.
  • To support the needs of those who are seeking knowledge of Islam.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

It’s important to note that the ways in which Zakat can be spent can vary slightly between different Marja’ Taqlids, depending on their interpretation of Islamic law and the needs of their specific communities. Nonetheless, the general categories of spending mentioned above are common among Shia Muslim scholars and jurists.

 

ReligionZakat

The cases in which Khums can be spent according to the treatises of each of the Marja’ Taqlids are as follows. It has been tried to collect these cases based on the principle of his treatise.

  1. Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani: According to Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support needy individuals who are poor, stranded, or in debt.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: According to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • Supporting the expenses of Islamic seminaries, Hawzas, and religious schools
    • Helping the poor and needy
    • Supporting Islamic propagation and cultural activities
    • Providing financial assistance for the marriage of young couples who cannot afford it
    • Assisting with the education of orphans and needy children
  1. Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi al-Modarresi: According to Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi al-Modarresi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars andstudents of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
  • To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi: According to Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
  • To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Muhammad al-Fayadh: According to Ayatollah Muhammad al-Fayadh’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the needs of the poor andneedy, including orphans and widows.
  • To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: According to Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
  • To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Muhammad Saeed al-Hakim: According to Ayatollah Muhammad Saeed al-Hakim’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
  • Tosupport the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Muhammad al-Yaqoubi: According to Ayatollah Muhammad al-Yaqoubi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
  • To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Akhtari: According to Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Akhtari’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
  • To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places ofworship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Hussein Vahid Khorasani: According to Ayatollah Hussein Vahid Khorasani’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
  • To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.
  1. Ayatollah Mohaqiq Kabuli: According to Ayatollah Mohaqiq Kabuli’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:
  • To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
  • To support the propagation of Islam and the trainingof scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
  • To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
  • To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
  • To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

 

It’s important to note that the ways in which Khums can be spent can vary slightly between different Marja’ Taqlids, depending on their interpretation of Islamic law and the needs of their specific communities. Nonetheless, the general categories of spending mentioned above are common among Shia Muslim scholars and jurists.

 

KhumsReligion