Can I Earn a Profit by Arranging Sadaqah Goats? Islamic Ruling Explained
Question:
Assalaam Alaikum wrwb.
I arrange a lot of goat sadaqahs for people in Kenya. Can I make a small profit for myself, as I am struggling to find a job? Let me know. Wasalaam
Answer:
Assalaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh,
The short answer is that there is nothing inherently wrong, from a Shariah perspective, with earning a reasonable and lawful income for arranging sadaqah goats, provided that the arrangement is conducted with honesty, transparency, and the informed consent of those involved. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
It is important to recognise that Islam does not require a person to work without compensation simply because the work is connected to a charitable cause. The fact that an activity facilitates sadaqah does not mean that everyone involved in providing the service must do so voluntarily. Throughout Islamic jurisprudence, scholars have recognised the permissibility of receiving payment for lawful services that benefit others, provided that the terms are clear and no deception or breach of trust is involved.
The ruling, however, depends upon the nature of your relationship with the donor.
If a person entrusts you with a specific sum of money solely as their representative (wakeel) and asks you to purchase and distribute a goat on their behalf, then you are acting in a position of trust. In such a case, it would not be permissible to take an undisclosed profit from the funds entrusted to you. The money has been given to you for a specific purpose, and you are expected to fulfil that trust faithfully. If you wish to be compensated for your time and effort, then this should be made known to the donor, either through an agreed service fee or through their express permission for you to retain a portion as compensation.
For example, if a donor sends you £100 specifically to purchase and distribute a goat, believing that the entire amount will be spent on that purpose, it would not be permissible to spend only £80 and quietly retain the remaining £20 for yourself without their knowledge. Such an arrangement would compromise the trust that has been placed in you.
On the other hand, if you independently organise the entire process, sourcing the animals, liaising with suppliers, arranging transportation, supervising slaughter where required, identifying deserving recipients, overseeing distribution, and managing the associated administration, then you are providing a genuine service. In that case, there is generally no objection to offering the service at a price that includes a reasonable profit margin.
Under this arrangement, you are not merely acting as an agent handling another person’s funds; rather, you are providing a complete service for an agreed fee. If, for example, the total cost of procuring and distributing a goat is £80 and you charge £90 or £95, while being transparent about the fact that this is the price of the service you provide, then the difference may lawfully constitute your earnings. Such income would be permissible, provided that there is no dishonesty or misrepresentation.
The fundamental principle in all of this is transparency. Those who entrust you with their sadaqah should not be misled regarding how their contribution is being utilised. If there is a service charge, administrative cost, or profit margin, it should be communicated clearly. Honesty not only fulfils a legal requirement but also preserves trust, which is among the most valuable assets in charitable work.
It is also worth noting that your personal circumstances are relevant in the sense that Shariah does not expect a person who is struggling financially to devote significant time and effort to a beneficial service without any means of support. If arranging these sadaqahs requires considerable work, coordination, communication, travel, and oversight, then there is nothing blameworthy in seeking lawful compensation for that effort. Indeed, earning a halal livelihood through honest service is itself a praiseworthy endeavour.
Nevertheless, because this work is connected to acts of worship and charity, it is advisable to maintain moderation and fairness in any profit that is taken. A reasonable and proportionate profit that reflects the work involved is consistent with the spirit of the Shariah. Excessive charges, ambiguity, or anything that may undermine donors’ confidence should be avoided. The more transparent and trustworthy the arrangement, the greater the likelihood that Allah will place barakah in both the charitable donations and the income earned through facilitating them.
