Ṣadaqah (charitable giving) refers to any act of giving for the sake of Allah, whether small or large, voluntary or obligatory.
Zakāh (obligatory almsgiving) is a set percentage of wealth that eligible Muslims must give once a year when certain conditions are met.
Lillāh (for the sake of Allah) is voluntary charity given without any fixed amount or condition.
In short: Zakāh is a duty, while Ṣadaqah and Lillāh are optional acts of generosity that carry great reward.

Zakāh becomes due when a person’s wealth reaches the minimum threshold (known as niṣāb) and a full lunar year has passed since then. The standard niṣāb is equivalent to 87.48 g of gold or its cash value. Once that threshold is met, Zakāh is usually 2.5% of one’s total qualifying assets — such as savings, business stock, and gold or silver. Debts owed to others can be deducted before calculating.

The Qur’an outlines categories of people entitled to Zakāh, including the poor and those in genuine need. In essence, Zakāh should reach individuals who do not possess wealth equal to the niṣāb. It should not be used for building projects or general expenses; it must result in direct benefit to eligible recipients who can take ownership of it.

Money earned through interest is not considered lawful income and cannot be used for personal benefit or given as Zakāh. Scholars advise that such money should be disposed of by giving it to charitable purposes that serve people in need, without intending reward. This act purifies one’s wealth from unlawful gain but does not earn spiritual merit like other forms of giving.

It is very important to clearly state when a donation comes from interest money, as these funds can only be used for limited purposes – typically for general welfare or aid to the poor, but not for projects that require pure charitable funds such as Zakāh or Ṣadaqah. Proper identification ensures that the money is handled correctly and ethically.

Fidyah (compensation for missed fasts) applies when someone is permanently unable to fast in Ramaḍān due to chronic illness, old age, or another lasting condition. It involves providing food for a poor person for each missed fast. The amount is roughly equivalent to one average meal per day, often measured as about 1.6 kg of staple food such as wheat or rice. If health improves later, fasting should be resumed instead.

Zakāt al-Fiṭr is a special charity due from every Muslim at the end of Ramaḍān, before the Eid prayer. It purifies the fast and ensures that those in need can share in the joy of Eid. The amount is one ṣāʿ (around 2.6 – 3 kg) of staple food — or its cash equivalent where permitted — for each member of the household, including dependents.

Qurbānī (sacrificial offering) is performed during the days of Eid al-Aḍḥā by Muslims who possess wealth above the niṣāb. It commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhi s-salām). The meat should be shared between oneself and family, relatives or friends, and the poor — ideally in three equal portions. When several people share in a large animal, the meat should be divided fairly according to each person’s share.