RAMADAN APPEAL FAQs

• How much Zakat do I need to pay?

  A percentage of 2.5% of your total wealth which have completed 1 physical year (Haul) in one’s possession.

• What is my Zakat used for?

  Islamic Relief ensures Zakat is used in the most transparent and effective way. All our projects are Zakat compliant and target those most in need. Islamic Relief uses Zakat in the most effective way possible to relieve the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable people.

  Zakat is used in accordance with religious requirements. It can be used in emergency and disaster relief, development projects including water solutions, empowerment of people with disability, poverty alleviation through micro-entrepreneurship as well as food security. It’s a promise that we must fulfil to help those in need. Your zakat donations through Islamic Relief bring joy to these people, who know that their brothers and sisters all over the world haven’t forgotten them.

• What’s the difference between Zakat al Mal and Zakat al Fitr?

  Zakat al-Mal (commonly called “Zakat“) is due when a person’s wealth reaches the nisab amount and can be paid anytime during the year. Zakat al-Fitr is paid by the head of the household for each member of the family, before Eid al-Fitr prayer. Zakat al-Fitr is estimated at $12 in 2021. Please do consult with your local imam or scholar for further clarification and exact amounts as applicable to your circumstances.

• On whose behalf do I have to pay Zakat al Fitr?

  Zakat al-Fitr should be paid on behalf of everyone in the family. There are some scholars that recommend that Zakat al-Fitr is also paid on behalf of unborn children after the 120th day of pregnancy, but do not view it as obligatory. Most scholars do agree, however, that Zakat al-Fitr should be paid on behalf of the baby after his/her birth. Please do consult with your local imam or scholar for further clarification

• When should I pay my Zakat al Fitr?

  It should be paid before Eid prayer (or any day during Ramadan). There are some schools of thought that also allow for Zakat al-Fitr to be paid even before Ramadan. Consult with your local Imam or scholar if you need additional information.

• How are Food Packs delivered in time?

  We work up to six months in advance preparing our Ramadan programme. We organised with food suppliers, identifying people most in need and making sure the food in the pack meets nutritional needs and local cultural expectations. We deliver to 34 countries with all the different variation in each country. Delivery is at the start of Ramadan. You can give your donation to the food packs at any time during the Ramadan Appeal. This means that even if you donate in the last 10 days, we ensure that a family has received their food pack on time.

• Which country does my food pack go to?

  Islamic Relief delivers Food Packs to the most needy families in developing communities. Food Packs are distributed in countries in the Middle East, East Europe, Asia and Africa.
  Countries in the Middle East include: Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine (W. Bank), Palestine (Gaza), Jordan, Syria & Yemen Countries in East Europe include: Albania, Kosovo, Chechnya & Bosnia Countries in Asia include: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines & Sri Lanka. Countries in Africa include: Ethiopia, Malawi, Niger, Mali, Chad, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Sudan & Somalia.

• How does my food pack empower local communities?

  Donations stir local economy because the food in each package is purchased locally. The food program is designed to complement longer-term relief and development projects that provide sustainable ways to improve living conditions.

• What if I am/was unable to fast in Ramadan?

  In some circumstances, a Muslim is not able to fulfill his or her religious obligation to fast during the month of Ramadan or is compensating for a broken oath. Fidya and kaffara are two solutions offered that can help a Muslim compensate for not fasting or breaking other obligations – the paying of fidya or kaffara also benefits members of the community who live in impoverished conditions.

• What else can I do to help in Ramadan?

  Ramadan is a special time of heightened spiritual and social responsibility and awareness. We love to assist you to take action in your community in Ramadan to raise awareness or funds for those around the world. You could host an Islamic Relief Iftar, give a talk at your school or university, help out with our Ramadan Specified Campaign, or discuss with our Community Engagement Team any idea of your own!