Sadaqa is due on every joint of a person, every day the sun rises. Administering of justice between two men is also a Sadaqa. And assisting a man to ride upon his beast, or helping him load his luggage upon it, is a Sadaqa; and a good word is a Sadaqa; and every step that you take towards prayer is a Sadaqa, and removing of harmful things from the pathway is a Sadaqa.
The Comprehensive Nature of Sadaqah
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim 1009 expands the conventional understanding of charity, revealing that sadaqah encompasses all acts of righteousness and benefit to creation, not merely monetary giving.
Daily Obligation on Every Joint
The phrase "on every joint of a person" signifies that each of the 360 joints in the human body requires its daily charity through acts of worship and service. This teaches us that gratitude for our physical form is expressed through continuous righteous action.
Judicial Justice as Charity
Administering justice between people is elevated to the status of sadaqah, demonstrating that establishing fairness and preventing oppression constitutes one of the highest forms of charity in Islamic law.
Physical Assistance and Kind Words
Helping others with transportation or loading goods, along with speaking good words, are both classified as charity. This shows that both physical aid and verbal kindness fulfill our charitable duties.
Spiritual and Civic Charity
Walking to prayer transforms physical movement into spiritual reward, while removing harmful objects from pathways constitutes civic responsibility as an act of worship. This integration of spiritual and worldly duties reflects Islam's comprehensive approach to righteousness.