The Role of Charity in Muslim Funerals: Sadaqah and Its Importance

Sadaqah is a form of voluntary charity that goes beyond the obligatory Zakat, a fixed annual donation required of all financially capable Muslims. While Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, Sadaqah is considered a non-obligatory, yet highly meritorious, act that can be performed at any time.

Sadaqah is not limited to financial aid; it includes any act of kindness or generosity, such as helping someone in need or offering a smile. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the spiritual value of Sadaqah, stating that even small acts of charity can yield great rewards in this life and the afterlife. In the context of funerals, Sadaqah is often given on behalf of the deceased, seeking blessings for them in the next world.

1. Sadaqah on Behalf of the Deceased In Muslim funeral traditions, it is common for the family of the deceased to give Sadaqah on their behalf. This act is believed to continue to benefit the deceased in the afterlife. Islamic teachings support the idea that deeds performed by the living, including charity, can increase the rewards for the deceased and ease their journey into the afterlife.
   The act of giving Sadaqah can take many forms, such as donating money to the needy, funding the construction of wells, building mosques, or other sustainable charitable acts that bring long-term benefits (referred to as Sadaqah Jariyah). According to Islamic belief, the rewards from these charitable acts continue to benefit the deceased as long as the good deed keeps helping others.
2. Providing for Funeral Costs Charity plays an important role in covering the expenses of the funeral itself, especially for families who cannot afford a proper burial. In Islam, ensuring a respectful and dignified funeral for the deceased is a communal obligation (fard kifayah), meaning that the responsibility falls on the entire community. If a family is unable to afford the funeral rites, it is common for neighbors, friends, and the community to step in with donations.
3. Feeding the Needy It is a common practice in many Muslim communities to feed the poor as an act of Sadaqah following a funeral. This meal is often given in the name of the deceased, and the intention behind this charity is to seek blessings for the deceased’s soul. The offering of food symbolizes the communal spirit of Islam, reinforcing the bond between the living and the deceased while fulfilling the obligation to help those less fortunate.
4. Donating Personal Belongings In many cases, the family of the deceased may choose to donate the deceased's personal belongings, such as clothing or household items, to those in need. This act of Sadaqah benefits both the recipients and the deceased by continuing their legacy of generosity.
5. Funding Religious Projects Sadaqah can also be directed toward religious projects, such as contributing to the building or maintenance of a mosque, school, or orphanage. These charitable acts are considered Sadaqah Jariyah, meaning they offer continuous blessings to the deceased as long as the benefits of the donation persist. Projects that serve the community, such as schools and mosques, are seen as ongoing sources of good deeds that will benefit the deceased long after their death.

Sadaqah during funerals serves a dual purpose in Islam: it benefits the deceased while also fostering a sense of social responsibility within the living. This practice reflects key Islamic values, such as compassion, communal care, and the belief in the afterlife. The following are some of the spiritual reasons behind Sadaqah’s prominence in Muslim funerals:

1. Earning Allah’s Mercy for the Deceased: Muslims believe that the deceased continue to receive rewards for good deeds done in their name. Sadaqah is seen as a way to ease the deceased's passage to the afterlife and reduce any suffering they may experience in the grave. By giving charity on behalf of the deceased, the family hopes to earn Allah’s mercy for their loved one.
2. Cleansing the Soul: Islam teaches that life is a test, and the afterlife is a reflection of one’s deeds. Sadaqah is considered an act of purification for both the living and the dead. For the deceased, it helps cleanse their soul and grant them relief. For the living, it purifies their wealth and intentions, deepening their relationship with Allah.
3. The Continuation of Good Deeds: The concept of Sadaqah Jariyah emphasizes the importance of leaving behind good deeds that continue to benefit others. It is believed that when a person dies, their deeds stop, except for three things: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and prayers from their children. Thus, giving Sadaqah in the name of the deceased ensures that their good deeds continue beyond death.
4. Supporting the Needy and Strengthening Community Bonds: Funeral-related charity strengthens the communal ties within the Muslim ummah (community). The focus on giving charity to the poor during funerals fosters compassion and unity, helping support those in need while honoring the deceased. It also reinforces the Islamic principle of brotherhood, where wealth is redistributed to ensure no one is left behind.

In Singapore, where the Muslim community is an integral part of a multicultural society, the practice of Sadaqah remains a significant part of funeral rites. Families often give donations to religious institutions, orphanages, or community organizations in the name of their deceased relatives. Local mosques and charitable organizations frequently assist in the process, making it easier for families to contribute.

Furthermore, initiatives like food distributions in low-income communities and the donation of items to charity shops have become common expressions of Sadaqah. These acts honor the deceased and align with Islamic teachings on the importance of helping those in need.

Charity, or Sadaqah, plays a vital role in Muslim funerals, reflecting both religious and social values. By giving Sadaqah on behalf of the deceased, Muslims seek to secure blessings for their loved ones in the afterlife while fulfilling their duty to the community. Whether through financial donations, feeding the poor, or contributing to religious projects, Sadaqah reinforces the importance of compassion and communal care in Islam, ensuring that the deceased continue to reap rewards long after their passing.