Shadaqah Sirriyah to Get the Noblest Jannah

Giving charity is profoundly encouraged in Islam. Allah Himself says in Al-Qur’an al-Karim, “ .” [Quran 2:274].

There are however two different ways to do it: you can either give charity publically or you can give it discreetly, which is also known as Shadaqah Sirriyyah. This kind of act of giving alms and charity secretly carries more rewards, even though in some situations, displaying it publically is preferred as it could galvanize others to follow to do the deeds. According to scholars, giving sadaqah publically is suggested for the obligatory charity like zakat. It is best done openly and announced, so as to encourage others to fulfill their duties as well.

On the other hand, giving charity in secret is way more superior. The people who are doing it must be very careful about what they can do with their hands to help other people, rather than thinking what other people would think of their good deeds. They must not need any praise or celebration, and they just do it for Allah. He says in the second chapter of Quran, “If you disclose your Shadaqah (almsgiving), it is good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you.” [Quran 2:271]

Besides, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also advises us to give charity secretly. In a hadith he said, “There are seven whom Allah will shade on the Day of Judgement…” He went on to mention six of them and finally concluded by saying: “…A man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.” (Abu Hurairah & collected in Shahih al-Bukhari (English trans.) vol.1, p.356, no.629 & Shahih Muslim (English trans.) vol.2, p.493, no.2248)

These Quran verses and hadiths show us how noble and gracious it is to give charities, especially in a discrete way. Therefore, let us live our one and only life to the best, give the best, seek for His blessings, so later He eases our path on the Day of Judgment.

Wallahu a’lam. Allah knows best.