sadaqah

How often do we see people stop and help others for the sake of humanity? Little gestures like helping a mother maneuver a stroller onto the pavement? Help someone with a heavy object - just for the sake of it? Smile at someone or compliment them on their effort - knowing they have put in hard work and a smile or kind word will cheer them up?

If we were paid to do these deeds - I'm sure there would be dearth of such kindness everywhere. No one would have to be asked.Simply because you were getting something in return.

Allah has created man. He Knows our weaknesses and strengths. The same way - if we do such kind deeds for His sake - we are indeed given something in return. A helping hand nor the kind word will be in vain. You will be rewarded. Such kindness falls under sadaqah.

sadaqah. It is something that we constatly need to remind ourselves of - because we often forget – I had only remembered one type of sadaqah – that was giving from your wealth. But there are other types of sadaqah. The general definition is that all good deeds are sadaqah.

The Messenger of Allah pbuh said ' every Muslim has to give sadaqah" the people asked : " O, Prophet what about the one who has nothing? " He replied: " he should work with his hands to give sadaqah" they asked " what if he cant find work?'. He replied ; " he should help the needy who asks for help." They asked ;" if he cannot do that? " He replied;" He should do good deeds and shun evil, for this will be taken as sadaqah"

[Related by Bukhari and others]

Abu Dhar Al-Ghifary said : The Messenger of Allah PBUH said : 'Sadqah is for every person every day the sun rises.' I said ' O Prophet from what do we give sadaqah if we do not possess property?'

He said : The doors of sadaqah are Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah; Alhamdullilah[ all praise is for Allah]; La ilaha illal-lah; Astaghfirullah [ I seek forgiveness from Allah]; enjoining good; forbidding evil removing thorns,bones, and stones form the paths of people; guiding the blind; listening to the deaf and dumb until you understand them; guiding a person to his object of need if you know where it is; hurrying with the strength of your legs to one in sorrow who is appealing for help; and supporting the weak with the strength of your arms. These are all the doors of sadaqah.

[The sadaqah] from you is prescribed for you, and there is a reward for you [even] in sex with your wife.' [Ahmad]

in another narration [Muslim] it is that the people asked the Prophet 'O Messenger is there reward if one satisfies his passion?' He replied " Do you now that is he satisfies it unlawfully he has taken a sin upon himself? Likewise, if he satisfies is lawfully, he is rewarded."

The messenger of Allah pbuh said : 'every good deed is sadaqah. To meet your brother with a smiling face and to pour out from your bucket into his container are sadaqah." [ I would interpret this is giving someone water, or spooning out food for someone or similar acts ]

A few examples of small gestures that we would never think to be rewarded for;

Eating halal food. Every time you put halal food in your mouth it is sadaqah - you are refraining from eating haram. That is why you will be compensated for it.

Doing something for your parents. Even it is something casual like dropping them somewhere , getting something that they asked for, or simply serving them food. Since a refusal to do something for them will be noted as a sin - simply by doing something - it is written down as a good deed.

Taking care of your employees. They are working for you. Make sure they are not over burdened. Do not be rude to them - race/age/ money - is no excuse for treating someone rudely. Be careful with you manners. Surely we all will be brought to account. As for the employees who work in your homes. Feed them the food that you eat. Be not harsh nor abusive to them. Treat them the way you would want to be treated.

Listen to Islamic lectures and gaining knowledge of and about Islam. Our knowledge will lead to us becoming better Muslims insh'Allah. Keep reminding yourself of your duties as Muslims - to children, parents- siblings - the people around you.

May Allah guide us all.

Start by doing a small good deed now. Maybe the article that you weren't getting time to read. The friend who needed you but you never got around to asking. The relative that you haven't met in a long time because of some dispute you had. Cleanse your heart against someone you had an argument with. Be careful the next time you put something in your mouth.Make sure its halal. If not.Forgo it for the sake of Allah - He will reward you with something ten times better insh'Allah.