Allah Almighty says in Surah al-Baqarah:

'If you give charity openly, that is good. But if you keep it secret, and give it to the needy in private, that is better for you. It will atone for some of your misdeeds. Allah is cognizant of what you do.' (Verse 271)

This verse praises both the open and secret charities. Summarizing other verses and Shariah evidences about this, our Islamic scholars conclude: ''If sadaqah is fard, it is better to give it openly, because in this case obedience to Allah's command is manifest and preventing this charity from falling upon those who are not entitled to it. If the charity is voluntary, it is better to keep it secret. It will be away from hypocrisy and pride.''