Sadaqah is a core part of Islam and one of the basic aspects of the religion. Put simply, sadaqah means to voluntarily give charity without expecting anything worldly in return. Unlike Zakat, sadaqah is not obligatory but is rather a simple act of kindness done out of compassion with the intention to please Allah (SWT) and help others. 

Although sadaqah should be given all year round, during the month of Ramadan, as we strive to perform as many good deeds as possible, we also increase giving sadaqah as the rewards of our good deeds are multiplied. However, sadaqah does not necessarily equate to being monetary, even simple everyday tasks are regarded as sadaqah. 

Here are 5 ways you can reap rewards by giving sadaqah in non-monetary ways. 

Quenching someone's thirst 

A deed as simple as giving water to someone thirsty is considered an act of reward in Islam. And this can be done easily in so many cases! Giving water to a fasting person or the needy, or even keeping a bowl of water on your windowsill for birds to drink from – all these are acts of sadaqah.

It is mentioned in the hadeeth that Saad bin Ubadah (r.a.) said, "I asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, what charity is the best?' to which he (S) replied, 'Giving water to drink.'" (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Sharing knowledge 

Sharing beneficial knowledge is also a form of sadaqah. Sharing any form of useful knowledge, be it worldly knowledge or that of religion is considered an act of giving in Islam. Sharing knowledge is also a form of Sadaqah Jariyah, which means it will continue to benefit you even after you die. 

There are so many ways you can share useful knowledge that you have – providing a tip, creating a tutorial, or even simplifying a method – all these are forms of sadaqah! 

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (S) said, "The best of charity is when a Muslim man gains knowledge, then he teaches it to his Muslim brother." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Spending on your family 

How beautiful is Islam where the deeds that you do for your contentment are also considered ways to gain rewards? Spending for one's family through a halal income source is also considered charity, even if it is a morsel of food with the intention of seeking Allah's reward. 

This Ramadan, you can bring iftar home for your family or give your loved ones a gift for Eid, which will not only strengthen the bonds of kinship but also add to giving sadaqah. 

The Prophet (S) said, "When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah's reward, it is regarded as sadaqah for him." (Bukhari) 

Smiling is sadaqah 

Doing sadaqah can be as simple as smiling – a genuine and easy act of kindness that we practice regardless on a daily basis. Prophet Muhammad (S) was someone who smiled a lot and had a congenial nature that he eventually passed on to us. Thus, smiling is not only sadaqah, but a sunnah as well!  

We only have to be careful about smiling in the right situation and directed towards the right people. 

Jabir Ibn Abdullah (r.a.) reported, the Messenger (S) of Allah said, "Every good deed is charity. Verily, it is a good deed to meet your brother with a cheerful face and to pour what is left from your bucket into the vessel of your brother." (Sunan Al Tirmidhi) 

Praising Allah 

Glorifying Allah (SWT) is also a form of sadaqah. There are so many opportunities we get on a daily basis to praise Allah (SWT) – after prayers, in between prayers, while performing daily activities, and even when sitting idle, we can praise Allah (SWT) and it will also count as sadaqah. 

Abu Dharr (r.a.) reported some of the people from among the companions of the Prophet (S) said to him, "Messenger (S) of Allah, the rich have taken away all the rewards. They observe prayer as we do, keep fasts as we keep, and give sadaqah out of their surplus riches." Upon this, he (S) said, "Has Allah not prescribed for you (a course) by following which you can (also) do sadaqah? In every declaration of the glorification of Allah there is a sadaqah, and every Takbir is a sadaqah, and every praise of His is a sadaqah and every declaration that He is one is a sadaqah…" (Sahih Muslim)

So, let us reap maximum benefits this Ramadan by performing these simple acts of doing sadaqah.