Is It Correct to Give Charity (Sadaqah) on Behalf of Specific Assets?

Understanding the Proper Method of Giving Sadaqah in Islam

Question: A husband gives charity (sadaqah) every month on behalf of himself, his wife, his children, his apartment, his house, his job, and his car. Is this method of giving charity correct?

Answer: There is charity (sadaqah) on every part of a person’s body, and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained how to fulfill this charity. It is narrated from Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

يصبح على كل سلامى من أحدكم صدقة، فكل تسبيحة صدقة وكل تحميدة صدقة وكل تهليلة صدقة وكل تكبيرة صدقة وأمر بالمعروف صدقة ونهي عن المنكر صدقة، ويجزئ من ذلك ركعتان يركعهما من الضحى(سلسله احاديث صحيحه ترقیم البانی: 577)

Translation: There is charity on every joint of one of you. Saying “SubhanAllah” is charity, saying “Alhamdulillah” is charity, saying “La ilaha illallah” is charity, saying “Allahu Akbar” is charity, commanding good is charity, and forbidding evil is charity. All of this is fulfilled by offering two units of prayer during the forenoon (Duha prayer).

Thus, a person can offer two units of Duha prayer daily as charity on behalf of his body parts. As for giving charity from one’s wealth, it is permissible for a person to give charity daily, weekly, monthly, or whenever they can, for themselves and their family. However, giving charity with the specific intention for a house, car, job, or the like, as if it is obligatory, has no basis in Islamic teachings. There is no evidence that charity must be given on behalf of one’s house, car, or job. Instead, a person may give charity generally on behalf of themselves and their family members as much as they wish. Whether one gives charity daily or monthly, or even if they don’t give at all, there is no issue, as charity is a voluntary act and not obligatory. However, if Zakat is due on one’s wealth, then paying Zakat is obligatory.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail