Five Verses of the Qur’an on Sadaqah
The Qur’an is guidance for mankind. The Qur’an explains what is beneficial for us in this life and the next.
Among the practices which are emphasized in the Qur’an is prayer and monetary giving through Zakat and Sadaqah. After faith, Salah and Zakat are the next pillars of Islam. The following verses highlight various benefits and virtues of giving Sadaqah in the Qur’an.
The miraculous words of Prophet Isa
And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me Prayer and Zakah as long as I remain alive.
[Qur’an 19:31]
These words were among the first couple of sentences spoken by Prophet Isa. Prophet Isa was a baby when he uttered these words. A baby speaking is clearly a miracle. But the words and the message conveyed in a miracle like this is what needs the most attention. Surely, a miracle would convey something great. We learn that two elements will bring blessings and the favours of Allah throughout one’s life; they are Prayer and Zakat. With Zakat, it includes all the forms of giving including Sadaqah. Salah strengthens our relationship with our Creator, while Zakat strengthens our relationship with His creation.
700% return on investment
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.
[Qur’an 2:261]
This verse artistically narrates the multiplicity of reward for giving Sadaqah. Giving a single pound or dollar in Sadaqah draws multiple rewards. In fact, the impact of Sadaqah has positive implications on the recipient as that pound or dollars travels through the system for the benefit of others. Likewise, this verse tells us that whatever we give, has the potential to increase seven hundred times. That means the return on investment is 700%!
Attaining piety
By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give freely of that which you love, and whatever you give, Allah knows it well.
[Qur’an 3:92]
This verse highlights a very essential principle for Muslims. We cannot attain true and genuine righteousness until we prefer others over ourselves. And the most powerful method of preferring others is by parting from our wealth for the sake of others. This is the message that Allah gives us in the above verse. Abu Talha presented himself to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and opened his heart.
O, Prophet of Allah! I love this garden very much. As Allah wants us to spend precisely that which we love, I make over that garden to be spent in the path of Allah as you please.
The Prophet was very much pleased and remarked:
“ What a fine present (to Allah)! I think it would be best utilized if you distribute it among your own heirs. ”
Abu Talha went and acted upon the Prophet’s advice.
The Sadaqah you give is from Allah
O believers give of what We have provided for you.
[Qur’an 2:254]
This verse teaches us an important principle. Whatever we have received and whatever we own really comes from Allah. Therefore, by giving in His cause, we are inviting His blessings more. Further, the wealth that we have should never be a means of boasting or looking down on others. It is purely Allah’s favour and grace that He favours a person with wealth. However, whoever has wealth, must then fulfil the rights of wealth. One such right is spending in Allah’s cause and helping those who are less fortunate.
No fear or grief after death
Those who in charity spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
[Qur’an 2:274]
This is by far one of the most promising and empowering verses about Sadaqah. What this verse tells us that those who give an abundance of Sadaqah will not have anything to fear upon death. Everyone fears the outcome after death. Everyone fears the unknown. We all fear how we will fare in front of Allah. This verse is guaranteeing a safe passage into the next life if we are generous and prefer others over ourselves in this life. Sadaqah is a means of safety and protection that we are all looking for.
