Although both urge kindness, generosity, and a sense of accountability toward the less fortunate, Zakat and Sadaqah show two key elements of charity in Islam but they serve different purposes. 

1. Islam's zakat idea

Many times, zakat is said to be both "cleansing" and "growth." 

It is an obligatory charity to cleanse one's wealth and spur growth in both physical and spiritual realms. Any Muslim who satisfies the obligatory Zakat conditions must give at least 2.5% per annum of his wealth to the needy. The Qur'an and Hadith, which continually underscore the need to pay Zakat to purify one's wealth and bring relief to people in need, form the basis for this obligation. Zakat is an acknowledgment that wealth does not belong to an individual solely for his benefit; rather it is a trust from Allah that must be shared with others.  

Quoting the Qur'an:  

"And establish prayer and give Zakat and obey the Messenger – that you may receive mercy."  

(Surah An-Nur, 24:56).  

Zakat is compulsory based on total wealth which includes gold, silver, financial instruments, cash, and other assets. It is a particular reminder for the wealthy to alleviate the pain of the poor. Eight categories of people authorized to receive Zakat, which include the poor, the needy, the indebted, and those working for its collection and distribution are explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an.  

2. Relational and spiritual benefits of zakat.  

Aside from a mere donation, zakat has a plethora of religious and societal benefits for both the giver and the recipient.

Purifying one's wealth: 

Zakât is one mode of purifying wealth. The giving of zakât purifies the wealth of a Muslim from the possible taint of selfishness and greed. It reminds us that all riches eventually belong to Allah and should be distributed for the best benefit of society.

Spiritual Growth and a Deeper Unity with God:

By helping Zakat, a Muslim strengthens their connection to Allah. It is a type of worship that paves the road to spiritual growth, soul cleansing, and greater thankfulness for Allah's gifts. Wealth, zakat says, is a means to help those who need it—not an end in itself.

Encouragement of Welfare and Social Equality:

Encouragement of social justice depends much on zakat. Redistribution of riches helps to solve poverty by addressing it and cutting economic disparity. By emphasizing that the rich support the needy, zakat fosters a sense of communal partnership and moral responsibility in the Muslim society (the Ummah). 

Encouragement of Financial Balance

Through Zakat, wealth is redistributed and equilibrium is maintained in society. It reduces the gap between the rich and poor, thus alleviating social inequalities. Zakat contributes to peace and goodwill by ensuring that everyone has what it takes to sustain a dignified life. 

3. The Idea of Sadaqa in Islam

While zakat is mandatory, sadaqa is a donation done voluntarily. Sadaqa has become a practice for Muslims to show concern and compassion toward others. There are no restrictions regarding the amount and timing of Sadaqa donations whatsoever. It may come in any form and magnitude, from simply helping a neighbor to giving emotional support or smiling to someone. 

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, mentioned:

"Every act of kindness is a form of charity." (Sahih Muslim)  

This indicates that any good deed, whether imparting knowledge, assisting, providing emotional support, or helping others in daily tasks, is a sadaqah and is not restricted to cash donations alone. 

4. Ongoing Charity; Sadaqah Jaariyah

Sadaqah Jaariyah or continuous charity is something very unique in its kind. It is a type of charity whose reward continues even after the donor's death. Some examples of Sadaqah Jaariyah are building a mosque, providing drinking water, and educating people. Even after they have passed, the giver still benefits from these efforts.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and righteous offspring who pray for him."

 (Sahih Muslim)

Through sadaqah jariyah, Muslims can bequeath to posterity a legacy of good actions that will continue performing for others and reward them here and in the Hereafter.

5. Charity and the Part of the Muslim Community.

Islam teaches not only personal charity but also community action in the area of helping the poor and societal problems. Zakat is an individual responsibility, but Muslim members of society must do it together. That is why Muslims are encouraged to unite against such problems as inequality, injustice, and poverty. Working as a community brings Muslim individuals together into a greater force for social welfare and a state in which the well-being of all members is foremost.

6. Caring Society.

This religion is about sharing and taking the shared responsibility for every individual's acts of charity. In establishing a society that emphasizes taking the assistance of each other's efforts, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) does not leave anyone behind. This means that Muslims are encouraged to initiate dealing with the root causes of poverty and inequality, working together to construct a society based on justice and compassion.

Here converted into Charity is for that this turns into.

• Charity is an investment for the hereafter, not only in Islamic progress for society.

• Allah values greatly the benefits of Zakat and Sadaqah. 

The benefits of charity are wonderfully outlined in the Qur'an.

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that grows seven spikes. In every spike, there are 100 grains."

 (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

This image emphasizes the compounding benefits of being charitable. Small acts of goodwill and generosity are multiplied many times over in the eyes of Allah. Ultimately, charity draws Allah's loving mercy and forgiveness and helps one get to paradise.

Inference:

Not just charity, but rather basic values that help to define the moral and spiritual fiber of Islam, zakat, and sadaqah. They tell Muslims that they must tend to the poor, advance social justice, and cleanse both their hearts and riches. By giving, one strengthens the bonds of the Muslim society and builds a feeling of solidarity and empathy. Be it through the required Zakat donation or the optional Sadaqah.