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The Islamic New Year, 1447 AH, has quietly arrived. No fireworks, no loud countdowns. Just a soft reminder from the lunar calendar that another cycle of time has begun, another chance to reset, to reflect, and yes… to give.
If you’re like me, the start of a new year feels like standing in front of a blank page. And while we usually think about goals, plans, maybe even habits to improve, what about intentional giving? What if the first thing you did this year wasn’t about you, but about someone else?
That’s where sadaqah comes in. That quiet, powerful act of charity that Islam teaches us can move mountains, seen and unseen.
You might already know the basics: Sadaqah is voluntary charity. It’s not like zakat, which is obligatory. This is something you give from your heart, without being asked. It could be a few dollars. A warm meal. Even just a kind smile (yes, that counts).
But here’s what I didn’t fully realize until recently: Sadaqah isn’t only about easing someone else’s struggle. It’s also about healing something inside you. It’s about purifying the soul, breaking your attachment to material things, and creating blessings that echo way beyond the moment.
And let’s not forget the timeless version of it: sadaqatul jariyah. Ongoing charity. The kind that keeps giving for you, even long after you’re gone. Like planting a tree or building a well. Or helping fund education. That’s the kind of legacy most of us hope for, but don’t always know how to start.
So if you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to make a charity that truly matters, start simple. Start now. Start this new year by giving.
There’s something beautiful about pairing beginnings with generosity. In Islam, charity isn’t an afterthought. It’s deeply intertwined with faith. It’s action. A demonstration that we’re paying attention to Allah’s commands and to the world around us.
As we step into 1447 AH, think about the kind of energy you want to carry this year. Generosity? Compassion? Mercy?
Giving sadaqah at the start of the year sets that tone.
And it doesn’t have to be huge. Sometimes, it’s just the intention that carries the most weight.
Let’s be honest, life is busy. We’re scrolling through a lot of headlines, juggling tasks, and somewhere in the middle, we’re trying to hold onto our values. That’s why giving sadaqah online has become such a game-changer.
With just a few taps, your sadaqah donation can reach a child in need of food, a refugee who needs medical care, or a student who’s just one book away from staying in school.
Platforms like Human Concern UK make it easier than ever to give with trust and transparency. You can even choose a project that speaks to you, whether it’s water, health, education, or emergency relief.
You don’t need to wait. You don’t need to be wealthy. You just need to care.
Let’s clear up a common question. Zakat and sadaqah in Islam are often mentioned together, but they’re not the same thing.
Both are acts of worship. But where zakat is a duty, sadaqah is an opportunity. A spontaneous expression of faith.
And honestly? Sometimes, that freedom makes it feel even more personal.
Not sure where to start? Here are just a few charity-inspired Islamic initiatives you can support through Human Concern UK:
Every donation, no matter how small, ripples outward. It reaches people you may never meet. But the reward? That’s something you’ll carry with you.
The start of 1447 AH doesn’t need grand gestures. Just a shift in mindset. A decision to lead with compassion.
When you give sadaqah, you’re not just offering money. You’re offering hope. Dignity. Relief. You’re saying, “I see you, and I care.”
And maybe, just maybe, you’re also saying something to yourself. That you’re ready for a year of deeper meaning, quieter blessings, and more acts of kindness.
So go ahead. Start again, with intention.
Honestly, the best way is the one that comes from the heart. You can give sadaqah online through trusted platforms like Human Concern UK. You can also give in person, support a local cause, or even help a neighbour quietly. What matters most is your sincerity.
Yes, and it’s highly recommended! You can give sadaqah on behalf of a loved one, living or deceased. Many people give on behalf of parents, especially as a form of sadaqatul jariyah, an ongoing charity that continues to benefit the person in the Hereafter.
There’s no minimum. Sadaqah is completely voluntary, and even a small coin, a glass of water, or a kind word can count. What matters is the intention behind it.
Maybe you scrolled through this thinking, “I’ll come back later.” I get it. Life gets busy. We mean to do good things and then… notifications, errands, the next thing on the to-do list.
But just pause here for a second.
This could be that moment. The one where you take two minutes and quietly give something, anything, in the name of Allah. Something that could feed a hungry child, provide medicine, or fund a well in a remote village. Something that might show up on your scale of good deeds in ways you’ll never fully understand.
And if you’re still wondering whether it really makes a difference. It does. Not just for the person receiving it, but for you. For your heart. For your akhirah.
So yeah, start 1447 AH with sadaqah. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Now. While your heart is open and your intention is pure.
Human Concern UK is one of the leading Muslim relief organisations in the United Kingdom, committed to fighting poverty and providing aid to those in need.
Charity number: 1206222