Sadaqa

         The lock-down continues… March melted into April; and now, April is rolling into May. Every day is pretty much like the day before; if we’ve lived through one, we’ve lived through 30… save the moments of reflection, prayerfulness and enlightenment, alhamd; which make these days, worth the while.

          The topic today was ‘Sadaqa’ – it being Ramadan and all. Although we are doing History, Tahera has a brief practical starter where she does some Amr and Nahi: timely reminders of how we can increase in our taqwa. Incidentally, I had been thinking a lot about  how I can give a bit of myself, fee sabeelillah too.  Especially, after having read in the Quran earlier that day an ayat that particularly touched me: Who is it that will lend Allah a good loan that He may multiply it for him several fold? (2:245) and I thought that is such a gentle and generous way of inviting people towards charity. He who is the Master of EVERYTHING – is calling out for a loan – for a portion of something that He Himself has given to us… and why? Only so He may return it? (Albeit several fold!)  But, why give? And then, why ask it back? And then again, why return it? Surely there is a lesson in that for us… What does He want to teach?

          And I thought, in His Mercy, He is allowing us to be a little bit like HImself,  Subhanallah! He wants us to know that giving is the most satisfying experience. He, who is the Greatest Giver, would like us to savour the joy of giving and recognise that the pleasure is far more satiating than the gratification of receiving. And, what’s more, He says He will ‘return several fold’ Why would He want to do that? Only, to reward us, once again, with the opportunity of giving away. That is so beautiful – that gentle nudge to go on and do the right thing!

           There is a common misconception that sadaqa can be given in terms of money alone. Well actually, there are at least 5 different ways in which we can be ‘giving’.

There are 5 different way in which we can give sadaqa.

• Money – ofcourse, the most obvious way  of being charitable given fee sabilillah – it is sadaqa.
• Knowledge – Imparting knowledge that is constructive and helps to improve someone’s live is sadaqa too. For example if you are able to teach someone a skill by which they are able to earn a halal living, it is sadaqa. Or you teach someone how to live their deen in the best possible way, it is sadaqa.
• Wisdom – If you are in a position to give wise counsel and prevent someone from stumbling and making a mistake or falling into sin, it is sadaqa.
• Position of Authority – if your status and position in society empowers you to resolve a momin brother or sister’s problem, or make certain lawful privileges accessible to them, and you actively ensure that you help the people around you – it is sadaqa.
• Words – speaking words of kindness, comforting a brother or sister in distress, lifting someone’s spirits, making someone feel happy, or even just smiling to reassure someone – it is sadaqa.

1. There are so many ways in which we can experience the joy of giving if we only allow ourselves. May Allah give us the Tawfiq, IA.