Zakat, Sadaqah and Infaq: What's the Difference
Zakat is an obligatory annual contribution due once your wealth stays at or above the nisab for a full Islamic year; in Singapore it is administered through Zakat Singapore, under MUIS. Sadaqah and infaq are voluntary giving, with no fixed amount or timing. For rulings, refer to MUIS or a qualified Asatizah.
Disclosure: SedekahSG, mentioned later, is a giving platform affiliated with this site’s operator. We present it as one option and disclose that connection openly.
People often use zakat, sadaqah and infaq loosely, but they are not the same. The key practical distinction: zakat is obligatory and administered, while sadaqah and infaq are voluntary. This page covers the administrative difference and how to pay — not religious rulings. For those, refer to MUIS or a qualified Asatizah.
The practical difference
| Term | What it is (practically) | Amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zakat | An obligatory annual contribution on qualifying wealth | Set by rules (a proportion of wealth above the nisab) | Once the haul (one Islamic year) is met |
| Sadaqah | Voluntary charity | Any amount | Anytime |
| Infaq | Voluntary spending for good causes | Any amount | Anytime |
Zakat is a defined obligation; sadaqah and infaq are open-ended.
In short, zakat is a defined obligation with an amount and a timing; sadaqah and infaq are open — give what you want, when you want.
How zakat is administered in Singapore
In Singapore, zakat is administered by Zakat Singapore, a strategic unit under MUIS (the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore). MUIS sets the reference values and provides the official channels to pay. Zakat applies to several categories of wealth — for example savings, gold, business and shares — as well as the separate zakat fitrah paid in Ramadan.
The nisab and haul
Two concepts decide whether zakat on wealth is due:
- Nisab — the minimum amount of wealth you must hold before zakat applies. MUIS sets it at the current price of 86 grams of gold; in October 2026 the monthly nisab was S$15,584. Because it tracks the gold price, it changes over time.
- Haul — your wealth must stay at or above the nisab for one Islamic year (about 355 days) before the zakat on it becomes due.
If your qualifying wealth stays above the nisab for a full haul, zakat is due; MUIS’s materials and calculator help you work out the amount.
How to pay
MUIS and Zakat Singapore offer several official channels:
- Online at zakat.sg.
- PayNow and participating banks (for example via bank apps).
- AXS stations.
- Mosques, especially during Ramadan.
For enquiries, MUIS can be reached at 6359 1199. Keep your payment record for reference.
Another option: SedekahSG
For voluntary giving (sadaqah/infaq), SedekahSG — an affiliated giving platform (see the disclosure above) — runs campaigns you can contribute to. See its current, dated details on its website. For zakat specifically, use the official MUIS/Zakat Singapore channels above.
For rulings
What counts as zakatable wealth, how the amount is computed in a specific case, and related questions are religious matters. Refer to MUIS or a qualified Asatizah — we do not issue rulings here.
Related
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you apply or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never changes the rates, figures or comparisons shown — those come from official or vendor sources with an "as of" date. We do not recommend specific products.
Sources
- Zakat — official portal (types and payment) — Zakat Singapore / Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) (as of October 2026)
- Current and Past Nisab Values — Zakat Singapore / Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) (as of October 2026)
- MUIS — Zakat (FAQs) — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) (as of October 2026)