According to the teachings of Islam, the giving of Sadaqa serves a number of functions. Sadaqa, first and foremost, acts as expiation for sins. Believers are asked to give Sadaqa immediately following any transgression. Voluntary almsgiving can also compensate for any shortcoming in the past payment of Zakat. Sadaqa also gives protection against all kinds of evils, wards off affliction in this world, questioning in the grave, and punishment on Judgement Day.

It is, therefore, recommended to give Sadaqa, by night and by day, in secret and in public to seek God’s pleasure (THE QURAN 2: 274). The constant giving of little is said to please God more than the occasional giving of much. Sadaqa is also a means of moral edification. It purifies the soul of the evil of avarice, and is a reflection of the generosity of God, the All-giving.