What is the difference between lillah, sadaqah and zakaat?

“If you intend to give Nafl Sadaqah (optional charity), you may give it to anyone. However, if it is Zakat, then it must be given only to those who are eligible to receive it.”

“It is permissible to give sadaqah to both poor Muslims and poor non-Muslims. However, giving sadaqah to poor Muslims is better and more rewarding than giving to poor non-Muslims.”

“It is permissible to claim tax returns on Sadaqah and Zakat. The tax return will be regarded as a gift from the government. The Sadaqah and Zakat will be validly discharged.”

“1. Lillah and Zakaat funds can only be used in those avenues which the donor has permitted either implicitly or explicitly. It would, thus, not be permissible to use Lillah funds for one’s personal needs, nor will it be permissible to give it to a Zakaat recipient.”