What it means
صدقه (sadaqe) comes from the Arabic root ṣ-d-q, meaning truth or sincerity. In Islamic tradition the connection is meaningful: a gift given sincerely from the heart, with no expectation of return, is the truest kind of generosity. In Persian sadaqe refers to voluntary charitable giving, money or goods donated to those in need or as an act of gratitude to God. It is distinct from زکات (zakat), which is an obligatory religious tax on wealth. Sadaqe is freely chosen, can be given at any time, and need not be a fixed amount. A close synonym in everyday Persian is کمک (komak), help or aid, though sadaqe carries the specific religious and moral weight of giving for God’s sake.
How to use it
- هر روز صبح یک صدقه بده تا روزت خوب بشه. (har ruz sobh yek sadaqe bede ta ruzet khub beshe.) “Give a small charity every morning so your day goes well.”
- صدقه دادن در اسلام ثواب زیادی دارد. (sadaqe dadan dar eslam savab-e ziyadi darad.) “Giving charity carries great spiritual reward in Islam.”
- مادرم برای شفای پدرم صدقه داد. (madaram baraye shafa-ye pedaram sadaqe dad.) “My mother gave charity for my father’s recovery.”
- صدقه پنهانی ثواب بیشتری دارد. (sadaqe-ye penhani savab-e bishtari darad.) “Charity given in secret carries greater reward.”
Cultural note
In Iranian popular practice, صدقه is often given at key moments: before a journey, at the start of a new year, when someone is ill, or when one feels superstitious danger. The act is sometimes accompanied by a prayer or an intention (نیت, niyat) dedicating the gift to a specific purpose. Sadaqe can also take non-monetary forms such as distributing food, nazri (votive offerings), or even holding open a door for a stranger. Its voluntary nature makes it an expression of personal piety rather than social obligation.