You can introduce the concept of sadaqa from an early age, even in preschool years, through simple actions like sharing toys, helping others, or putting coins into a donation box
Raising children who value sadaqa means raising a generation that understands gratitude, kindness, and care for others.
Charity in Islam is more than donating money – it’s also about everyday good deeds and compassion for the community.
The Prophet (saww) is reported to have said,
“Every kindly act is considered charity.” (Al-Khisal, p.134, n.145)
By teaching these values early on, we help children grow into adults who give back with open hearts.
Let’s look at five practical ways to bring sadaqa into family life.
1. Start with Stories
Children connect deeply with stories, and the Quran is filled with lessons of generosity.
Share with them how the Prophet (saww) and the Ahlulbayt (as) gave charity even when they had little.
One example is of Sayyida Fatima (sa) giving away her new wedding dress to help a poor person.
You can make it part of bedtime routines – a short story about kindness and giving that plants seeds of compassion in their hearts.
2. Lead by Example
Kids notice everything we do.
If they see us regularly giving sadaqa, whether by donating to a cause, helping a neighbour, or volunteering at a local project, they will naturally imitate these actions.
Show them that charity is not occasional, but part of daily life.
3. Give Them Their Own Sadaqa Box
A personal ṣadaqa jar gives children ownership over their giving.
Encourage them to place coins, a portion of their allowance, or even notes describing good deeds inside.
Over time, they’ll learn that charity is about both money and actions, and they’ll feel happy when they give from their own effort.
4. Involve Them in Giving
Bring your children along when donating food, clothing, or money, and let them participate directly.
You might have them hand over a meal to someone in need or help pack food baskets at a community drive.
The Quran reminds us,
“Whatever good you spend in charity, it is for your own good, and you should not spend but to seek Allah’s (swt) pleasure.” (2:272)
When children see the joy their actions bring, charity becomes real and meaningful to them.
5. Teach Everyday Acts of Sadaqa
Explain that ṣadaqa is not only about wealth.
A smile, helping a classmate, holding the door, sharing toys, or checking on a neighbour are all forms of charity.
Teaching them this broad meaning helps children realize that kindness can be practiced anywhere, at any time, and by anyone.
The Prophet (saww) is reported to have said,
“Your removal of an obstacle from the road is a charitable act; your guiding someone the way is a charitable act; your visiting the sick is a charitable act; your enjoinment of good to others is a charitable act; your forbidding others from wrongdoing is a charitable act, and your returning the greeting of peace is a charitable act.” (Bihar al-Anwar, v.75, p.50, n.4)
Conclusion
Teaching children about ṣadaqa is about more than money – it’s about raising them to be grateful, kind, and aware of the needs of others.
When giving and compassion become part of family life, children naturally grow into adults who carry those values forward.
The lessons we plant in their early years can blossom into a lifetime of generosity and service.
FAQ
You can say, “Sadaqa means helping others with kindness, money, or good deeds, and Allah (swt) loves it when we do that.”
No. While giving money is one form, sadaqa also includes smiling, helping a neighbour, sharing food, or any act of kindness.
Lead by example. Let your child see you giving regularly, involve them in family acts of charity, and praise their small contributions to help build a lasting habit.
