Can you give Sadaqah to Non-Muslims?

Sadaqah is an act of kindness that provides aid and support to anyone in need. It is an important aspect of Islam that cannot be neglected by a true Muslim. But what if the person or the people in need are non-Muslims? Can you give Sadaqah to them?

Islam encourages giving Sadaqah to non-Muslims if they are in need of support and aid. Sadaqah can be given to building schools, hospitals, for economic development, emergency relief, and many other important issues.

Giving Sadaqah to non-Muslims voluntarily is a virtuous deed.

Keep reading to know why Islam permits giving Sadaqah to non-Muslims and if there are any special considerations.

Non-Muslims need Sadaqah

Non-Muslims are fellow human beings and this means they also need to have their basic needs such as food, shelter, and water to be met in order to thrive.

These are needs that all of us can relate to and know that without these basic necessities, life can become problematic in many ways.

As Muslims, it is our duty to help the helpless. Islam clearly encourages us to give Sadaqah as much as possible and as often as possible. The following hadith highlights the importance of this act.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “If a Muslim plants a tree, or sows a field and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity from him.” [Narrated in Muslim]

Another benefit of giving Sadaqah to non-Muslims is that it can be a form of dawah. It is a way of showcasing the beauty of Islam as a religion that actively thinks of the well-being of fellow human beings.

Along with this is not just the monetary form of Sadaqah. Being kind and courteous, having good manners and something as simple as a smile are also forms of Sadaqah and when all of these aspects are combined and practically implemented, then they can have a profound and positive impact and influence on non-Muslims.

When not to give Sadaqah?

There are some instances when it is not permitted to give non-Muslims sadaqah. If a Muslim or a non-Muslim intends to use Sadaqah money to do something haraam or wrong with the money received.

Also, if it is clear that the non-Muslim asking for Sadaqah has in the past caused harm to Muslims or other humans, or is planning to use the money to cause harm to Muslims and people in general then Sadaqah should not be given to such individuals or groups.

“Help you one another in Al‐Birr and At‐Taqwa (virtue, righteousness, and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression” [al-Maa’idah 5:2]

Therefore it is of utmost importance to do a thorough background check of recipients to make sure sadaqah is given to the right people.

At Sadaqah. io, processes are in place to make sure that Sadaqah campaigns are vetted thoroughly and verified to avoid money being used in the wrong way.

Every transaction goes through a verification check; such as identity checks, know-your-customer, anti-money laundering, and anti-terrorism financing.

Building Schools

Education is a fundamental right of every human being and is the only way a person can improve their current situation.

Building schools is a way to help disadvantaged communities to expand their knowledge and this helps them to become better well rounded individuals who will build a better society.

Providing education to non-Muslims has many benefits. Firstly, they will gain important knowledge and information which they can use to improve their livelihood and have better health outcomes. They will also help their family and local community because they know that this is the only way out of poverty and deprivation.

Enhancing the well-being of non-Muslims gives a positive impression of Islam and can potentially help them draw closer to Islam and maybe change any misconceptions they have about Islam.

Orphanages

Orphan children both Muslim and Non-Muslim are innocent victims of deprivation. A non-Muslim orphan needs care and compassion and what better way to do that than giving Sadaqah.

At Sadaqah, we provide support to children in need from all backgrounds and believe every child has the right to a happy, secure and comfortable life with access to medical aid and education. Your Sadaqah donations continue to provide our teams with the resources we need to ensure confident and happy children

Islam encourages giving charity to all human beings regardless of differences in religion, race, color, or language.

In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada states, Among the considerable signs of showing gratitude to Allah is the payment of Zakat and charity. When a Muslim pays his zakah or spends something in charity, his soul is purified from miserliness and he rises to the peak of magnanimity and honor.

Emergency Relief

Sadaqah has been at the forefront of helping various campaigns respond to emergencies quickly and effectively. Many of the victims are Muslims and non-Muslims and both receive equal treatment and care. Islam encourages Muslims to be the first ones to respond to emergencies and we have seen that this has been the case throughout Islamic History.

Muslims are encouraged to spend as much as possible when responding to a crisis.

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that a man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger, which charity is the most superior in reward?” He replied, “The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, ‘Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.’ (And it has already belonged to such and such (his heirs).” [Bukhari Vol. 2, Hadith 500]

It is important not to delay giving charity. Sadaqah given immediately when the need arises holds more reward than the charity that is delayed.

And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We have bestowed on you, before death should come to any of you and he should say, “O my Rabb (only God and Sustainer)! Why do you not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good.” [Qur’an, 63:10]

Haritha ibn Wahb narrated that he heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying, “O people! Give in charity as a time will come upon you when a person will wander about with his object of charity and will not find anybody to accept it, and anyone (who will be requested to take it) will say, “If you had brought it yesterday, I would have taken it, but today I am not in need of it.” (Bukhari Vol. 2, Hadith 492)

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that a man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger which charity is the most superior in reward?” He replied, “The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, ‘Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.’ (And it has already belonged to such and such (his heirs).” (Bukhari Vol. 2, Hadith 500)

“Do not show lethargy or negligence in giving alms and charity till your last breath.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Takeaways

Giving Sadaqah to non-Muslims is not only permissible in Islam but also encouraged. Islam is a religion of mercy and compassion. Sadaqah manifests this essence in various ways such as financial aid, manners, and also in everyday interactions.

Non-Muslims will see that Islam is a compassionate religion and this can have a profound effect on their perceptions of Islam and can also act as a form of Dawah.

It is important to make sure that the non-Muslims receiving the Sadaqah are genuinely in need and will not use the charity received to do any haraam acts.

At Sadaqah, all campaigns are checked and managed thoroughly to make sure that all the funds received are sent to correct recipients and that no haraam or fraudulent activities are taking place under the guise of Sadaqah.

All of these different forms of Sadaqah hold many virtues and can benefit not just non-Muslims, but also the Muslims who continually give Sadaqah, as they will receive immense rewards in both this world and in the hereafter.

Allah (SWT) instructs us to be generous to fellow human beings as much as possible, as this will result in thriving societies.