sadaka صدقة

Algerian Darja · noun

“sadaka” (صدقة) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning alms, charitable gift.

Meanings

1. alms, charitable gift
2. good deed with lasting benefit

Usage

Sadqa refers to the voluntary gift made to the poor, in money, food or clothing. It is distinct from zakat, the obligatory alms. One says "3ta sadqa" or "dar sadqa" for "to give alms". The expression sadqa jariya refers to a work that keeps benefiting others, such as a well, a donated Quran or a useful share; it is often used online and at times of mourning. The word is also used ironically for something given grudgingly. The register is common and religious.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “sadaka” but also “sadqa”, “sadaqa” and “sadka”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “sadaka” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “alms, charitable gift”; “meal given as charity”: sada9a in Moroccan.

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “alms, gift to the poor”; “good deed, charitable act”: sadqa in Tunisian.