Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider meaning.
Most poor relief in the 17th century came from voluntary charity which mostly was in the form of food and clothing.
Imarets belong to a particular category of voluntary charity, known as sadaqa.
A Muslim may also donate more as an act of voluntary charity (sadaqah), rather than to achieve additional divine reward.
A conscientious person finds it very difficult to decide between voluntary and imposed charity.
Long before there was such a thing as Aid to Families With Dependent Children, voluntary charities were helping the poor, the elderly and the sick.
And if these same citizens are willing and able to provide such means to others through voluntary charity, I admire them for it.
In March 2012, a new voluntary charity was set up to develop and promote the Barrfields Theatre facility.
It held that zakat (alms-giving) was not voluntary charity, but rather the poor had the right to assistance from the more fortunate.
Sadaqa is voluntary charity in given above and beyond what is required from the obligation of Zakat.