Arabiq Online - Arabic of the Qur'an

Sūra al-Tawba 9:103

In Sura al-Tawba, Allah mentions specifically what the function of charity is when he tells the Prophet (S):

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيْهُمْ بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ

Take charity from their wealth so that you may cleanse them and purify them thereby, and pray for them...

Ṣadaqa in the Qur’an is not the same as Zakāt. Zakāt is a tax that we owe, but Ṣadaqa is charity that is highly encouraged as it purifies us and wards off tribulations.

But how is ‘charity’ linked to the root meaning (صدق) of ‘being honest and sincere’ ?

Firstly, the intention behind the giving has to be sincere and genuine. There must be no strings attached, no reproach or reminders afterwards to the beneficiary, and not making them feel obliged.

Secondly, that true intention must be maintained until the end, remembering that we are neither doing the orphans and needy any favours, nor God, and that ultimately we ourselves are the beneficiaries.

Thirdly, whilst there is nothing wrong with charity in public, especially if it mobilises others to give and especially in this blessed month, the best type is Ṣadaqa given in secret, as it maintains the sincerity of the intention.