Sadaqah is the Arabic name for voluntary charity, distinct from the obligatory payment of zakat.
It can include giving money or goods, helping another person, and—according to widely cited Islamic teachings—even acts such as a kind word. Sadaqah is therefore broader than a fixed financial levy and may be offered at any time.
Zakat, by contrast, is a required pillar for Muslims who meet the relevant conditions, including possession of qualifying wealth above the nisab threshold. Sadaqah has no single universal rate or payment date. Sadaqah jariyah refers to continuing charity whose benefit persists, such as supporting a lasting public good or educational project.