The merit of secret charity in the Qur'an

BlogDate: 18 June 2025
The merit of secret charity in the Qur'an

What does secret charity mean?

Secret charity is sadaqah given without disclosing the donor's name, solely for the sake of Allah. The Qur'an clearly mentions its merit and advises believers to choose this path.

A Qur'anic verse on secret charity

«If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allāh, of what you do, is [fully] Aware.»

(Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 271)

This verse teaches two truths: both open and secret charity are good — but giving it secretly is more meritorious.

Why secret charity is more meritorious

  • It protects from showing off (riya)
  • It directs intention purely to Allah's pleasure
  • It preserves the recipient's dignity — they don't feel embarrassed
  • It conceals the donor's sins (as the verse states)

The seven groups in a hadith

The Prophet (peace be upon him) described seven groups whom Allah will shade on the Day of Judgement under His Throne, one of which is:

"...a person who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given..."

(Sahih al-Bukhari, hadith no. 1423; Sahih Muslim, hadith no. 1031)

This hadith clearly shows the value of secret charity in the sight of Allah.

Practical advice

Giving sadaqah anonymously through a trusted organisation is the modern form of secret charity. This preserves the dignity of those in need and keeps your intention pure.

Contact

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  • +994 70 966 19 70 (for women)

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