How can we mark one act of kindness daily as ‘today’s Sadaqah’ at dinner? 

Parenting Perspective 

Dinner time is often the one moment when families gather, making it a perfect opportunity to pause and highlight kindness. Turning this into a small family ritual allows children to see that even simple daily actions can be treated as sadaqah. The key is to keep the reflection short, light, and joyful so it becomes a habit rather than a burden. 

Invite Sharing Naturally 

After everyone has settled, invite each person to recall one act of kindness they did that day, big or small. For example, a child might say: ‘I shared my pencil’ or ‘I helped Mum carry a bag.’ Keep it brief so it feels comfortable and does not interrupt the meal. 

Celebrate Without Comparison 

Respond with warmth: ‘That was beautiful; that was your sadaqah today.’ Avoid comparing siblings’ answers, so no one feels their kindness was “less.” The point is to celebrate effort, not measure value. 

Rotate Leadership 

Let a different child lead the question each evening by asking, ‘What was your sadaqah today?’ This makes them feel ownership and helps them practise encouraging others. 

End with a Collective Reminder 

Close the moment by saying together: ‘Alhamdulillah for the chance to give sadaqah today.’ This reinforces that gratitude and giving belong in everyday life, not just in extraordinary moments. 

Over time, this small ritual transforms kindness from an unnoticed gesture into something intentional, remembered, and linked to pleasing Allah Almighty. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that sadaqah is not limited to money but includes every act of kindness. By marking one daily act of sadaqah at dinner, parents remind children that serving others is woven into faith itself. 

Qur’an Guidance 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verses 267: 

‘O you who are believers, spend (in the way of Allah Almighty) from the pure income that you have earnt, and whatever We (Allah Almighty) have produced for you from the Earth…’ 

This reminds us that sadaqah can be given from all kinds of blessings: wealth, energy, effort, and kindness. Children learn that even their smallest good deed is a valuable offering to Allah Almighty. 

Hadith Reminder 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2891, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Your smile for your brother is a charity, your helping someone to ride their animal is a charity, and guiding someone who is lost is a charity.’ 

This teaches us that even smiling, sharing, or helping others is counted as sadaqah. 

By embedding this reflection into family dinners, parents nurture a mindset where children see every day as full of sadaqah opportunities. The dinner table becomes not just a place of food but a place of gratitude, kindness, and spiritual growth.