Ramadan·3 min read
Sadaqah in Ramadan: why the reward is multiplied, and what to choose
What the texts say about charity during Ramadan, the difference between a one-off sadaqah and a Sadaqah Jariyah, and a simple comparison to choose: well, tree, Aqiqah or iftar meal.
Contents
Every Ramadan, the same wish returns: to give more, and to give better. But between the iftar meal, the well and the planted tree, how do you choose? Here is what the texts say, and an honest comparison to help you decide.
What the texts say about charity in Ramadan
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was most generous in Ramadan, when Jibril came to meet him. He was then more generous than the sent wind.”
Al-Bukhari (no. 6), Muslim (no. 2308), from Ibn 'Abbas.
Asked about the best charity, the Prophet ﷺ answered: “Charity in Ramadan” (at-Tirmidhi). And for the one who feeds a fasting person: “He receives the same reward as him, without the fasting person's reward being reduced” (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah).
Two ideas stand out: giving during Ramadan is better rewarded, and giving water or food to those who fast is especially loved.
One-off sadaqah or Sadaqah Jariyah?
An iftar meal feeds a family for one evening. A well waters a village every evening of this Ramadan, and of all the following ones. Both are good; they simply do not have the same reach over time. The hadith in Muslim reminds us that ongoing charity is one of the three deeds that do not stop at death.
The right reflex is not to choose one against the other: it is to set aside part of your Ramadan budget for a charity that lasts.
Comparison: which sadaqah for Ramadan 2027
| Sadaqah | Budget | Duration of benefit | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iftar meal | €5 to €15 | One evening | Varies |
| Fruit tree in your name | €28 | 20 to 30 years of harvests | Photo + WhatsApp video |
| Aqiqah | depending on the number of sheep | One sacrifice, meat distributed | WhatsApp video |
| Well | €350 to €1,200 | 15 to 20 years of clean water | WhatsApp video, plaque in your name |
A well can be funded by several people: siblings, colleagues, a group of friends, with a family name on the plaque.
Three mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the last ten nights to give everything. The nights are precious, but a well takes weeks to build: order early, the reward of the intention is secured at the order.
- Giving without proof. Insist on a video with your name. That is what Sanabil sends for every project.
- Forgetting the deceased. A Sadaqah Jariyah in the name of a departed parent benefits them; Ramadan is the ideal time to do it.
Choose your Ramadan sadaqah, carried out in your name
Frequently asked questions
Does Ramadan sadaqah replace zakat?
No. Zakat al-mal (on savings) and Zakat al-Fitr are obligatory; sadaqah is voluntary and comes in addition. See our guide to Zakat al-Fitr 2027.
Can a well be paid for with zakat money?
Views differ. The majority of scholars reserve zakat for the eight categories named in the Quran (9:60), paid directly to the beneficiaries. To be safe, Sanabil does not collect zakat: our services are sadaqah.
How long does a well ordered during Ramadan take?
From a few weeks to a few months depending on the country. The video is sent to you as soon as the work is finished, even after Eid.
Can I give a sadaqah in the name of the whole family?
Yes. You enter a family name or several first names when ordering.
Ramadan
A Sadaqah Jariyah before the month ends
A tree from €28, a well, an Aqiqah: ordered during Ramadan, carried out in your name, with the video on WhatsApp.
