Zakat is an obligatory form of charity: eligible Muslims must give a prescribed portion of qualifying wealth, generally 2.5% of monetary assets that reach the nisab (minimum threshold) and remain for one lunar year, with some assets having different rules.
The details vary by type of wealth, and the obligation is supported by the Prophet’s ﷺ instructions, including the rate for silver (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1454). Sadaqah means voluntary charity. It can be money, food, clothing, helping someone, or other sincere acts of kindness, and it has no fixed minimum amount or specific deadline. Zakat is therefore a required pillar with defined rules, while sadaqah is optional and broader. Zakat should be given to eligible categories of recipients, whereas sadaqah may generally be given to anyone in need or for a beneficial cause.
