What is Lillāh, Zakāh and Ṣadaqah?

What is Lillāh, Zakāh and Ṣadaqah?

Have you heard these words before, referring to a donation or charity and you were left perplexed? As Muslims, there are a few terminologies that are used and need to be understood whilst doing monetary contributions to the many worthy causes. The most common ones are briefly explained below:

Zakāh– This charity is generally spent directly on Muslims who are destitute or indebted, not on projects such as; construction, hospitals and salaries etc. Zakah money cannot be used for the running cost of institutions (e.g. madāris, masājid, Islamic institutions and schools), rather it is given to those individuals who are deserving of Zakāh from the stipulated eight categories mentioned in the Qur’ān. Mostly, it is given to the poor and the destitute, and can even be used to help persons who are in debt and cannot find relief after genuine efforts are made to pay off their loans. Zakāh is paid yearly by those who hold the niṣāb (specific amount of savings) at the beginning and end of their financial lunar year.

The formula is 2.5% x (productive wealth – current expenses)

This entails identifying your productive wealth, like; cash, savings, bonds, worth of all items for resale, receivables etc. When this is done, identify and minus current expenses, for example; rent, personal loans for that year, and bills that are due. Now, 2.5% of that is paid for Zakāh at the closing of each financial year (remember that Zakāh is calculated not estimated, so consult an Islamic scholar for more information, we can contact us also for guidance).

Lillāh – This literally means ‘for Allah’. It comprises any form of charity given in the cause of Allah on a purely voluntary basis. This charitable giving is not like Zakāh which one is obliged to give, rather it is given for the betterment of others, be it Muslims or people of other faiths.

For instance, many charitable organisations collect Lillāh for relief aid, the building of wells, masājid, running costs of madāris and many other humanitarian needs. These contributions are made through the goodwill of Muslims who give solely for the pleasure of Allah. In our local slang, it is referred to as the general name ‘Ṣadaqah’, and when people are questioned a little more, they say it is Ṣadaqah Jāriyah (continuous charity) which some also term as “waqfy/ waqf funding”.

“When a man passes away, his good deeds will also come to an end except for three: Ṣadaqah Jāriyah (continual charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)” Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Sāḥīḥ Muslim).

Ṣadaqah – Lastly, Ṣadaqah is a general word and can refer to all of the categories. i.e. Zakāh, Lillāh, humanitarian work etc. However, the generality of the word Ṣadaqah, if misused, can potentially lead to the misdirection of funds intended for other areas. However, it is noteworthy that, other parts of the Muslim world have termed the usage of the word Ṣadaqah as the self-imposed compulsory charity given for the pleasure of Allah ta’āla and intended solely for the relief of the poor. 

Ṣadaqatul Fiṭr – Also called Zakātul Fiṭr, this must be paid on behalf of all Muslims who can afford it, male or female, young or old, enslaved or free. It is a charity that is given to the poor so that they can have the means to enjoy the day of Eid. It is the amount of one ṣa’ of grain, or one ṣa’ of cheese or one ṣa’ of raisins. The monetary value of these items can also be given as that may be more beneficial to the poor. If you are the head of the household then you must pay Ṣadaqatul Fiṭr for the minors and your wife if she does not possess the wealth. The payment must be made before people go out to the Eid prayer on Eidul Fitr, however, earlier is better. Ṣadaqatul Fiṭr is a purification from idle talk and vulgarity committed during fasting and its benefit should not be taken for granted. 

Fidyah – If you are ill and unable to fast, you are liable to make up your fast at a later time. However, if the illness is such that it is unlikely that you will recover for the period of time required to make up the fast, then Fidyah is paid. The compensation for each day’s fast is the same as Ṣadaqatul Fiṭr, which is 1.6 kg of wheat or its market-related value. 

The formula is the number of missed fast x value of 1.6 kg of wheat

While Zakāh is a form of charity stipulated in the Qur’ān to be given to specified persons, Lillāh is voluntarily given and can be used in a variety of ways. Ṣadaqah is a general term that encompasses both types of charities. Fidyah is paid as compensation for missed fast. Ṣadaqatul Fiṭr is a compulsory payment to the poor on Eid day. 

These terminologies should be clearly defined because confusion may arise at the time of distribution, concerning who the correct recipients are, as each type of charity has distinct conditions to be met. For example, Ṣadaqah and Zakāh cannot be used for projects and the upkeep of institutions, rather it must be given to the less fortunate. Lillāh funds, however, can be used for poor persons as well as projects, institutions etc. Hence there is a need to increase the usage of the Lillāh category to gain commonplace locally.

Nevertheless, as Muslims, we wholeheartedly believe that our wealth is a gift given to us and its good usage earns the pleasure of our Lord. Therein He returns the wealth spent in manifolds as a profitable return in this world and the hereafter.

So next time you decide you want to give a donation or charity, you know all the terminologies to clearly define your intent! 

Written with Trinidad & Tobago’s local context in mind

By Abraar Alli