Zakat & Sadaqah Guide
Understanding how your donations to Small Efforts can fulfil your Zakat obligation or serve as ongoing Sadaqah Jariyah.
Zakat
An obligatory annual charity
- Mandatory for eligible Muslims (2.5% of qualifying wealth)
- Due once your wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold for one lunar year
- Must go to specific eligible categories (Asnaf) mentioned in the Qur'an
- Cannot be given to build assets the giver benefits from
Sadaqah
Voluntary charity, anytime
- Completely voluntary — any amount, any time
- No minimum threshold or eligibility requirement
- Can fund infrastructure like wells, madrasahs, and buildings
- Sadaqah Jariyah continues rewarding the giver even after death
What Is Sadaqah Jariyah?
Sadaqah Jariyah refers to "ongoing charity" — a gift whose benefit continues long after it is given. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that when a person dies, their deeds end except for three things, one of them being ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah).
This is exactly what Small Efforts specializes in. When you fund a submersible water pump, every person who drinks from it for years to come adds to your reward. When you help build a madrasah, every student who learns the Qur'an there becomes part of your ongoing charity.
- A water pump can serve a village for 15-20+ years
- A madrasah can educate thousands of students over decades
- A wudukhana enables countless prayers for years to come
How Each Project Type Qualifies
| Project Type | Sadaqah | Sadaqah Jariyah | Zakat Eligible* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrasah Construction | Consult Imam | ||
| Wudukhana Facilities | Consult Imam | ||
| Water Pumps / Tube Wells | Consult Imam | ||
| Sanitation Blocks | Consult Imam | ||
| Academic Buildings | Consult Imam |
*Zakat eligibility depends on how funds are distributed and your personal financial situation. Since Zakat must reach specific eligible categories (Asnaf), we recommend consulting your local Imam or scholar before designating a donation as Zakat. Sadaqah has no such restriction and can be given freely for any of the projects above.
Basic Steps to Calculate Your Zakat
This is general guidance only. For an accurate calculation based on your specific assets, please consult a knowledgeable scholar.
Check the Nisab
Confirm your total wealth (cash, gold, silver, savings, business assets) exceeds the current Nisab threshold, typically based on the value of 87.48g of gold or 612.36g of silver.
Confirm One Lunar Year
Your wealth must have remained above the Nisab for one full Islamic (Hijri) year before Zakat becomes due.
Calculate 2.5%
Multiply your total qualifying wealth by 2.5% (0.025) to determine your Zakat amount due.
Give With Intention
Make the intention (niyyah) that this specific donation is your Zakat, and direct it to an eligible cause or organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Small Efforts channels donations toward infrastructure projects. Whether this qualifies as Zakat depends on how the specific funds are distributed to eligible recipients. Please contact us to discuss your Zakat donation, or consult your local Imam for guidance specific to your situation.
Sadaqah is any voluntary act of charity, given once. Sadaqah Jariyah specifically refers to charity that continues benefiting people over time — such as a water well, a school, or a mosque — and continues rewarding the giver even after their death.
We provide project completion reports with photos and updates to all our donors. For larger donations, we can share specific project documentation upon request.
Yes. Many donors give Sadaqah Jariyah on behalf of deceased parents or relatives, as the reward continues to reach them. You can mention this intention when making your donation.
No. We accept any amount — from small individual contributions to donations that fully fund a project. Every taka contributes to the collective goal.
Fulfil Your Zakat or Sadaqah Today
Choose a project, make your intention, and give with confidence knowing your donation directly serves a community in need.
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